Stay Informed, Stay Safe: Learn about Mpox

Authors: Dr. Sonia Chaabane, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, and Dr. Karima Chaabna

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Two distinct clades of the mpox virus have been identified: clade I and clade II.  In August, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following the significant increase of clade I mpox cases in Africa and the detection of clade I mpox cases outside Africa. In Qatar, there is very low possibility of contracting mpox. However, the Qatar health authorities have taken precautionary and preventive measures and are closely monitoring for early detection of any suspected cases. Those traveling to countries where the virus is currently spreading are urged to exercise caution and use precautionary measures to avoid infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in people with a weakened immune system. Common symptoms include fever, rash, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. 

The mpox rash usually begins on the face and then can spread anywhere on the body including palms and soles of feet, face, mouth and throat, groin and genital area and anus. The skin lesions of the rash begin as a flat sore and then develop into a fluid-filled blister that can be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over and fall off.

Transmission of Mpox

Mpox can be transmitted through various mechanisms:

• Human to human through close contact (e.g., touch, kissing, sex, talking/breathing close to one another)
• Animals (e.g. tree squirrels, monkeys) to humans when hunting, skinning, or cooking
• Contaminated materials touched by a person with mpox to humans: the virus may persist for some time on needles, clothing, bedding, towels, objects, electronics, and surfaces.
• During pregnancy to the fetus, during or after birth through skin-to-skin contact, or from a parent with mpox to an infant or child during close contact.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mpox

Mpox can be diagnosed with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory test. The specimen is best taken from the rash directly i.e. skin, fluid or crusts. Alternatively, in the absence of a rash, swabs of the throat or anus are taken.

In most mpox cases, the symptoms of mpox disappear on their own with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid complications.

Vaccination for Mpox

Vaccines are available for mpox. An mpox vaccine is recommended for people at risk, including healthcare workers and those living in or traveling to areas with an ongoing outbreak, and close contacts of someone with mpox. Mass vaccination is not recommended. Postvaccination, it takes several weeks for immunity to develop, so it is recommended to continue to take steps to avoid catching and spreading mpox.

Take-away Message

Much is already known about mpox and the means to control it. If you think you might have mpox, seek medical advice and isolate from others until you have been evaluated and tested. If you have been diagnosed with mpox, follow your local health authority/healthcare provider’s instructions on isolation at home or in a health facility. To protect yourself and others against mpox, know the signs and symptoms, how the virus spreads, the risk in your community, and what to do if you get ill or come in close contact with a person sick with mpox.

Sources: WHO 1 | Qatar News Agency | WHO 2 | Primary Health Care Corporation

Edited by: John Hayward