Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease caused by the mpox virus. Although it was initially found in Central and West Africa, the disease has spread to other parts of the world, due to factors like international travel and close contact with infected individuals. With the outbreak of mpox in 2022, it's more important than ever to understand how to prevent and treat this illness. Let’s learn about the most effective ways to prevent and treat mpox. What Is Mpox? Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by the mpox virus, which typically affects rodents and non-human primates. The disease is similar to smallpox but usually less severe. Mpox is characterized by a fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks. The disease can be severe, leading to complications such as severe scarring, blindness, and even death in rare cases. How Does Mpox Spread? Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. It can also spread through handling materials like bedding or clothing contaminated with the virus. The virus can be transmitted from person to person through: - Direct contact with an infected person's rash, scabs, or body fluids.- Extended close contact with respiratory droplets, including sexual contact.- Contact with contaminated objects, such as clothes or blankets. Read more: What is Mpox? How does it affect people? How to Prevent Mpox Prevention is key to controlling the spread of mpox. By taking the following steps, you can reduce your risk of infection: Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals If you know someone who has been diagnosed with mpox, avoid close physical contact with them until they have fully recovered. Mpox is most contagious when the infected person shows symptoms, particularly when they have a rash. Use Protective Measures If you must be in contact with someone who has mpox, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns. This is especially important for healthcare workers and those caring for infected individuals at home. Practice Good Hygiene Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid Contact with Potentially Infected Animals Mpox can also spread from animals to humans. Avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, such as rodents or non-human primates. Do not handle or consume wild game that may be infected, and avoid contact with animal products, such as furs, that could be contaminated. Disinfect Contaminated Items If you have been in contact with an infected person or animal, disinfect any objects or surfaces that may have been contaminated. Use a bleach solution or other disinfectant to clean clothing, bedding, and other items. Get Vaccinated Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent mpox. The smallpox vaccines, such as ACAM2000 and Jynneos, have been shown to protect against mpox because of the close relationship between the smallpox and mpox viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for those who have been exposed to pox or are at high risk of exposure. Isolate Infected Individuals If someone in your household has mpox, isolate them in a separate room to prevent the virus from spreading to others. Ensure they use separate bathroom facilities if possible, and do not share personal items like towels or bedding. Practice Safe Sex Since mpox can spread through sexual contact, it's important to practice safe sex, especially if you or your partner have been exposed to the virus. Use condoms and dental dams to reduce the risk of transmission. Read more: Mpox: Common Signs and Symptoms How to Treat Mpox While there is no specific cure for mpox, the disease is usually self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own with proper care. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Symptom Management The primary goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms of mpox. This includes: Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce fever and alleviate pain.Skin Care: The mpox rash can be itchy and uncomfortable. Taking oatmeal baths can help soothe the skin and reduce itching. Applying topical treatments recommended by a healthcare provider can also help.Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever. Staying hydrated also helps keep your skin healthy as it heals from the rash. Isolation and Rest If you have mpox, it's crucial to isolate yourself from others to prevent spreading the virus. Stay home, rest, and avoid contact with other people and pets until all lesions have healed. Cover any open sores with bandages or gauze to prevent the spread of the virus. Antiviral Medications In severe cases, or for individuals with weakened immune systems, healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medications like tecovirimat (TPOXX) or cidofovir. These medications are approved for treating smallpox and may be effective against mpox, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. Preventing Secondary Infections Mpox can lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially if the skin is broken due to scratching. If a secondary infection develops, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further complications. Monitoring and Support If you have been diagnosed with mpox, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and provide support as needed. This may include regular check-ins to ensure your symptoms are improving and to address any complications that may arise. Immune Globulin Therapy For individuals who are unlikely to respond to the vaccine or antiviral treatments, healthcare providers may consider using vaccinia immune globulin (VIG), which contains antibodies from people who have received the smallpox vaccine. This therapy can help boost the immune system's response to the virus. Conclusion Mpox is a serious disease that requires careful attention to prevention and treatment. By understanding how the virus spreads and taking steps to protect yourself and others, you can reduce the risk of infection. If you do contract mpox, focusing on symptom management and isolation can help you recover safely. Stay informed, practice good hygiene, and consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have been exposed to or infected with mpox. Read more: How Mpox Virus Spreads

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that has grabbed global attention due to its increasing spread and impact on public health. This virus is part of the same family as smallpox but is generally less severe. Let’s explore the various ways mpox can be transmitted from one individual to another. Direct Human-to-Human Transmission Close or Intimate Contact One of the primary ways mpox spreads is through close or intimate contact with an infected individual. The virus can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of someone who has mpox. This contact can occur during various forms of intimate activities, including sex, kissing, or hugging. Pregnant individuals who contract mpox can also pass the virus to their fetus during pregnancy or to their newborn during and after birth. Additionally, prolonged face-to-face interactions, such as talking or breathing in close proximity to an infected person, can also facilitate the spread of the virus through respiratory secretions, including saliva, snot, and mucus. Read more: What is Mpox? How does it affect people? Touching Contaminated Objects and Surfaces Another significant mode of transmission for mpox is through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. This includes items like clothing, bedding, and towels that have not been properly disinfected. The virus can survive on these surfaces for extended periods, making it easy for someone else to contract the virus by touching these contaminated items. Respiratory Droplets While close physical contact is the most common way mpox spreads, the virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets. During face-to-face interactions, especially over a prolonged period, the virus can be expelled into the air through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. These droplets can then be inhaled by another person, leading to infection. However, it is important to note that the risk of transmission through respiratory droplets is lower compared to direct skin-to-skin contact. Sexual Transmission The mpox virus can be transmitted through sexual activity. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has had some cases where mpox transmission was linked with sexual contact, highlighting the importance of safe sexual practices in preventing the spread of mpox. Read more: Mpox: Common Signs and Symptoms Animal-to-Human Transmission Contact with Infected Animals Mpox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The virus is endemic in certain regions of West and Central Africa, where it is naturally found in small wild animals, including rodents and primates. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with these infected animals, their fluids, or waste. Activities such as hunting, trapping, or processing wild animals in these regions pose a higher risk of contracting mpox.

On August 14, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox or Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, which is the highest alert the organization can decree. Since its earlier detection in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022, Mpox has been spreading across continents contaminating and killing thousands of people. Recently, this deadly disease has been detected in Pakistan, sprouting fear in the neighboring South Asian countries. To stay safe, mass awareness should be raised against Mpox. What is Mpox or Monkeypox? Mpox or Monkeypox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus. When infected by this virus, people show symptoms similar to those of smallpox, like rashes, discolored and swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, fever, and so on. Read more: Health ministry issues mpox alert: Vigilance at entry points; no cases detected in Bangladesh yet Quite rare in humans, the Mpox virus mostly affects rodents, like rats, and mice, and primates, like gorillas, and monkeys. However, for the last two years, a new variation has been alarmingly raising concerns about infecting humans and causing deaths. Mpox Variations Till now, only two variations of the Mpox virus have been found liable for human illness—Clade I and Clade II. According to researchers, the variations liable for the recent outbreak and the outbreak in 2022 are different. The global outbreak of 2022 that infected around 100,000 people was caused by the Clade II variation, whereas, Clade I is liable for the recent situation. The two mutant types share a few differences in terms of their ways of transmission, and symptoms. Read more: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Monsoon Clade I Clade I shows a pattern in its process of transmission, taking advantage of a person’s immunodeficiency, making them weak, and slowly pushing them towards death. The mortality rate among the Clade I victims ranges from 1% to 10%. As per reports, the victims have been mostly the inhabitants of Congo. However, the number of victims went up due to the rapid contamination among people in other areas of the world. Clade I is more frequent among children who are infected through contact with animals or other members of their families. Clade II Clade II is responsible for the 2022 outbreak of Mpox. The death rate of Clade II is low, counting only 1% to 4%. The severity of the illness is also more tolerable, causing rashes on a random part of the body mostly around the face and torso instead of the full body. Read more: Congo's humanitarian crisis helped mpox spiral again into a global health emergency How Did the Recent Variation of Mpox Spread? The transmission pathways of Mpox are diverse, including close personal contact, contact with contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals. Clade II, has shown unique patterns of spread, which has raised new concerns and challenges for public health efforts. Here are some common modes of Transmission of Mpox virus. Close Personal Contact The primary mode of Mpox transmission is through close, personal contact with an infected individual. This includes direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids. The virus can also spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. Intimate activities, such as sex, as well as prolonged face-to-face interactions, can facilitate the transmission of the virus. Read more: Pakistan's health ministry confirms a case of mpox but more tests are being done for its variant In the 2022 global outbreak of Clade IIb, the virus predominantly spread through sexual contact. This pattern of transmission underscores the importance of targeted public health messaging and interventions to prevent the further spread of the virus in at-risk populations. Contact with Contaminated Materials Mpox can also spread through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. Items like bedding, towels, clothing can harbor the virus if they are not properly disinfected. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring that environments, where infected individuals have been, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Read more: Comprehensive Guide to the Best Home Fitness Equipment in Bangladesh for 2024 Animal-to-Human Transmission Another significant route of Monkeypox transmission is through contact with infected animals. Mpox is endemic in certain wild animals in West and Central Africa, particularly rodents. People can contract the virus by hunting, trapping, or processing these animals, or through bites, scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s fluids or waste. While the risk of transmission from pets is low, close contact with an infected pet, such as petting, cuddling, or sharing sleeping spaces, could potentially spread the virus to humans. Recent Developments in Mpox Spread In recent outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Clade I variant of the Mpox virus has shown an alarming trend of spreading through sexual contact.  Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock Moreover, early evidence indicates that Clade I might possess certain properties that enhance its ability to spread from person to person more easily. This has raised concerns about the potential for more widespread outbreaks, particularly in regions with limited surveillance and healthcare infrastructure. Conclusion The recent variations of Mpox, particularly Clade II and Clade I, have shown concerning patterns of transmission.  The virus's ability to spread through close personal contact, contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals highlights the importance of public awareness and targeted health interventions.  Read more: Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention As the situation evolves, understanding the transmission pathways of Mpox or Monkeypox is essential for controlling the spread and protecting vulnerable populations.