What is Mpox, How is it Spread, and How Can it be Prevented?
A new strain of the pox virus has recently emerged in Central Africa, spreading rapidly among children and adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is characterized by a painful, pus-filled skin rash lasting up to four weeks, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Mpox was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark during an outbreak in monkey colonies used for research. Despite its name, the source of the virus remains unclear, though researchers suggest that rodents or small mammals, such as squirrels and primates, may harbor the virus.
In recent years, pox cases outside of Central and West Africa, where the virus is endemic, have been rare and usually linked to travel or imported animals. However, since 2022, the virus has spread to more than 70 countries that had not previously reported cases, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare pox twice a global health emergency. In 2023, a new virus variant caused a surge in cases and deaths in Congo and neighboring countries, prompting another WHO emergency declaration.
How is Mpox Spread?
Mpox can spread through contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose), or the respiratory system. Direct skin-to-skin contact, such as during kissing, hugging, sex (oral, anal, or vaginal), or massages, increases the risk of infection. Prolonged face-to-face interactions with an infected person can also spread the virus through respiratory droplets.
Additionally, mpox can be transmitted via shared objects like bedding, towels, or utensils used by an infected person. The virus can even be passed from pregnant individuals to their babies. People can spread the virus before symptoms start and remain contagious until all skin lesions have healed and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take weeks.
Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox typically begins with a rash, which can appear near the genitals, anus, chest, face, or mouth, and may spread to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. The rash can be painful and itchy and resemble pimples or blisters before scabs eventually fall off.
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, or chills may develop before or after the rash appears. In some cases, people experience difficulty urinating and painful swelling in the anus. Symptoms usually emerge within 21 days of exposure.
Dangerous complications can arise if the lesions become infected, leading to abscesses. Other complications may include dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or heart (myocarditis).
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain groups are at higher risk of contracting and experiencing complications from pox. These include people with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments, healthcare workers, sex workers, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant people, children under one-year-old, and people with a history of eczema are also at increased risk.
During the 2022 outbreak, many cases were initially reported among men who have sex with men. However, the WHO emphasizes that anyone who comes into close contact with an infected person is at risk, regardless of their sexual orientation.
How to Prevent Mpox
Most people recover from pox within two to four weeks. However, taking precautions can help prevent the spread of the virus. Avoiding sexual contact, kissing, and touching if you or your partner have pox symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. The CDC also advises against close contact with individuals with visible rashes at parties, clubs, or festivals, where skin-to-skin contact is expected.
Limiting the number of sexual partners and using condoms can also reduce the risk of infection. However, condoms alone may not provide complete protection if there is contact with lesions or body fluids.
Frequent hand-washing and avoiding contact with objects handled by an infected person, such as towels, bedding, or utensils, are crucial preventive measures. Vaccines used to prevent smallpox can also protect against pox, given the genetic similarities between the two viruses.
Follow Running News Today’s Google News channel for the latest updates on this issue.
---
This comprehensive story brings together all the elements of the news provided and reshapes them into a complete narrative. Let me know if you'd like to adjust anything!
0 Comments