Symptoms of Mpox | A Self-Protection Guide Against Epidemics

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List of contents

1. History and Discovery of Mpox

2. Diagnosis of Mpox

3. 7 Key Symptoms of Mpox

4. Treatment of Mpox

5. Guidelines for Preventing Mpox

The history of Mpox is both intriguing and significant. The disease was first discovered in 1958 in a group of research monkeys at a laboratory in Denmark, leading to its name, “Monkeypox,” despite monkeys not being the primary carriers. The first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Historically, outbreaks were largely confined to Central and West Africa. The first outbreak outside Africa occurred in the United States in 2003. Mpox is caused by a virus belonging to the same family as the smallpox virus but is less severe. It is believed that African rodents were the primary source of animal-to-human transmission in the past. In 2022, widespread outbreaks were reported outside Africa, with increased human-to-human transmission, raising global concern.

The diagnosis of Mpox involves the following key steps:

1. Exposure History
   Physicians will inquire about recent travel history or contact with suspected cases.
2. Clinical Symptoms
   Observation of symptoms such as fever, body aches, and skin rashes is crucial.
3. Physical Examination
   Examination focuses on identifying the characteristics of skin rashes and fluid-filled blisters.
4. Laboratory Testing
   • Collecting samples from skin lesions.
   • Detecting the virus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
   • Conducting blood tests to identify antibodies.
5. Differential Diagnosis
   Differentiating Mpox from other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as chickenpox or shingles, is necessary.

Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s history, clinical presentation, and laboratory test results.

1. High Fever One of the initial and significant signs of Mpox is a high fever, often reaching 38–40°C and lasting 3–4 days. Some individuals may also experience chills.
2. Severe Body Aches Intense body aches, particularly in the back and legs, commonly follow. These aches can interfere with daily activities and movement.
3. Headache Many patients suffer from severe headaches alongside fever. The pain may feel throbbing or persistent and can worsen with movement or exposure to bright light.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes A hallmark of Mpox is swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin. These nodes may be tender and range in size from 1–5 cm, distinguishing Mpox from regular smallpox.
5. Fatigue Extreme fatigue is common, often accompanied by appetite loss, weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.
6. Rashes Within 1–3 days of the fever, rashes typically appear, starting on the face and spreading to the arms, legs, palms, and soles. In some cases, rashes may also be found in the mouth, genital area, or eyes.
7. Blisters and Pustules The rashes evolve from red spots into raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters, and finally pustules. These lesions, measuring 0.5–1 cm, eventually scab over within 2–3 weeks. During the pustular stage, the risk of transmission is at its highest.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Mpox. Most treatments focus on alleviating symptoms, such as administering antipyretics for fever, pain relievers, and proper wound care for skin lesions. In severe cases, doctors may consider using certain antiviral medications. Anyone suspected of having Mpox should isolate themselves and seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent its spread to others.

1. Personal Protection
   • Avoid close contact with individuals suspected of having Mpox.
   • Do not touch lesions or contaminated items such as clothing, bedding, or personal belongings of infected individuals.
   • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers for effective protection.
2. Vaccination
   • While specific vaccines for Mpox may not be widely available, smallpox vaccines can offer partial protection.
   • Consult a doctor about vaccination, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   • Healthcare workers and caregivers should wear appropriate PPE, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear, to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Isolation of Infected Individuals
   • Those diagnosed with Mpox should be isolated and treated in a suitable healthcare facility to prevent spreading the virus.
   • Isolation should continue until lesions have fully healed and scabs have fallen off.
5. Contact Tracing
   • Public health authorities should monitor and follow up with close contacts of confirmed cases to observe symptoms and provide appropriate care if infection occurs.
6. Public Education
   • Disseminating accurate information about Mpox, its transmission, and preventive measures is crucial.
   • Health authorities should continuously and widely share this information to help control outbreaks.
7. Disease Surveillance
   • Effective disease surveillance systems at local, national, and international levels are vital for detecting outbreaks promptly.
   • Suspected or confirmed cases should be reported quickly to enable rapid response and containment.
8. Control of Animal Reservoirs
   • In areas where animal outbreaks occur, measures to control populations of potential animal reservoirs and reduce human-animal contact are essential.

Preventing Mpox effectively requires collaboration from all sectors, including government agencies, private organizations, healthcare workers, and the public. The best prevention strategy involves awareness and strict adherence to preventive measures.