Mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus. As the US has now reported its first case of a new variant, people need to have a good knowledge about the disease. From its symptoms to its transmission and precautions, the details have been given below.
The virus can be spread to humans from animal hosts, such as monkeys. It can also be transmitted from person to person. While some can get severely ill from the virus, Mpox is rarely deadly.
According to Mayo Clinic, there are two types of Mpox viruses: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I tends to cause more serious illness and is linked to more deaths from the virus. On the other hand, Clade II causes less severe disease. However, Clade I can spread more easily than Clade II.
The virus can be spread from person to person by either coming in direct contact with rashes or body fluids of an infected one or fabrics and objects touched by them. Mpox can also be spread to humans from infected animals due to their bites, scratches, coming in contact with their waste or body fluids, and even processing them for food.
A pregnant woman can also pass the virus to her unborn child. Moreover, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, infants, and people who have eczema have a higher risk of getting infected.
It is not clear yet if pets can get infected by humans, but it is advised to an infected person to not come in contact.
Symptoms of Mpox
After coming in contact with the virus, Mpox symptoms tend to kick in within 21 days. These symptoms include flu, sore throat, cough, and a runny or stuffy nose. Other symptoms can be - swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever and chills, backache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Following the flu-like symptoms, an infected person gets a skin rash. While this rash might first appear on the face, hands, or feet, it gradually spreads all over the body.
These rashes then turn into blisters and are later filled with pus. However, they often fall off over a few weeks. The treatment of Mpox is usually offered to ease these symptoms.
Mpox can be prevented with the help of its vaccine. People 18 years and above can get the vaccine if they have a risk of catching the virus. A person must avoid close contact with an infected or an animal that may carry the virus.
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If a person is a caretaker of an infected one, they must limit their contact with the objects the patient has used. Regularly washing hands with soap and water can also help prevent the virus.
It is advised to see a healthcare professional if a person witnesses these symptoms.
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