Mpox is a viral illness resulting from the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family of viruses that includes smallpox. The World Health Organization officially changed the name from monkeypox to mpox to reduce stigma associated with the original name, which originated from the virus’s discovery in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958. While the virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, it is also capable of spreading between people. The disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash, though most cases are mild and resolve without intervention.
Symptoms and Disease Progression
The initial phase of an mpox infection is marked by flu-like symptoms that can appear 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. These commonly include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Chills
- Exhaustion
A distinguishing feature of mpox compared to similar illnesses like chickenpox or smallpox is the swelling of lymph nodes. This symptom, known as lymphadenopathy, is a frequent precursor to the rash.
Following the onset of these initial symptoms, a characteristic rash develops, typically within one to four days. It begins as macules, which are flat, red spots on the skin, and then progress into papules, which are raised bumps. The papules subsequently fill with fluid, becoming vesicles, and then fill with pus, turning into pustules.
The rash can be itchy and painful and may appear on the face, hands, feet, or in the genital area, mouth, or throat. Over a period of two to four weeks, these pustules will eventually crust over, form scabs, and fall off as the body recovers. The number of lesions can vary significantly from just a few to several hundred.
Transmission Methods
The mpox virus primarily spreads from person to person through close, personal contact. The most common route of transmission is direct skin-to-skin contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected individual.
Beyond direct physical contact, the virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated materials. Objects such as clothing, bedding, and towels that have been used by a person with mpox can harbor the virus and become a source of infection for others.
It is also possible for mpox to spread through respiratory secretions. This typically requires prolonged, face-to-face contact with an infected person. While less common than transmission through direct skin contact, it remains a potential pathway for the virus to spread, particularly in close-quarter settings.
Prevention and Treatment Options
Preventing the spread of mpox centers on avoiding direct contact with the infectious rash and bodily fluids of infected individuals. It is also recommended to avoid handling or sharing personal items, such as clothing, bedding, or towels, that have been used by someone with the virus.
Vaccination is an available measure for preventing mpox infection, particularly for those at a higher risk of exposure. The JYNNEOS vaccine is a vaccine that may be recommended for individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed case or for those whose work may expose them to the virus. These vaccines can help prevent the disease or lessen its severity.
Most mpox infections are mild and resolve on their own within two to four weeks. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms like pain and fever. For individuals who develop severe illness or have weakened immune systems, antiviral medications may be prescribed, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX).
Diagnosis and When to Seek Medical Care
A definitive diagnosis of mpox is made by a healthcare professional, which involves collecting a specimen from one of the skin lesions. A healthcare provider will carefully swab a lesion to gather fluid or tissue, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The sample is tested using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect the genetic material (DNA) of the monkeypox virus.
It is advisable to seek medical care if you develop a new, unexplained rash or other symptoms associated with mpox. You should also contact a healthcare provider if you have been in close contact with a person with a confirmed or suspected case. Early consultation with a doctor allows for proper evaluation, testing, and guidance on how to manage symptoms and prevent further transmission.