Mpox

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the family of poxviruses.

• Mpox can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread between people.
• Most people recover within a few weeks.

Why is it called Mpox?

The disease is called Mpox because it was first identified in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. It was only later detected in humans in 1970.

Transmission

Animal to human transmission:

• Direct contact with blood, body fluids, or lesions of an infected animal.
• Eating inadequately cooked meat from an infected animal.

Human to human transmission:

• People with Mpox are infectious while they have symptoms (typically 2–4 weeks).
• Close physical or sexual contact with someone who has symptoms, such as rashes, fluids, or blood from skin lesions.
• Contact with contaminated clothing, bedding, towels, or utensils.
• Saliva or respiratory particles from someone with ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth.
• Transmission from pregnant individuals to the fetus via the placenta or from an infected parent to a child during or after birth.

High-Risk Groups:

• Children
• Pregnant women
• Immunosuppressed individuals

Incubation Period:

The interval from infection to the onset of symptoms ranges from 5 to 21 days.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Muscle and back aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Skin rash

Prevention

Good hygiene:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with infected individuals or contaminated items.
• Avoid touching contaminated surfaces, such as utensils or dishes used by an infected person.

Preventing animal-to-human transmission:

• Avoid contact with infected animals, alive or dead.
• Cook meat thoroughly.
• Avoid touching objects that have been in contact with sick animals.

Preventing human-to-human transmission:

• Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox.
• Avoid touching objects used by a sick person.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing when caring for sick patients.

Treatment

• Mpox symptoms often resolve on their own within 2 to 4 weeks.
• Taking care of the rash by allowing it to dry or covering it with a moist dressing.
• Supportive care is the primary treatment approach.

What should I do if I think I have Mpox?

• Visit the nearest health facility under Emirates Health Services (EHS).
• Call 8008877 for more information.