Breaking the Stigma Around Mpox: Key Facts You Should Know

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has become a topic of concern and curiosity worldwide. Despite its rarity, the stigma surrounding this viral disease can lead to misinformation and unnecessary fear. This article aims to break down the stigma by providing key facts about mpox, focusing on its symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox but less severe. The condition was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the original name “monkeypox.” The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, the disease has been reported in several other central and west African countries. Recently, cases have been identified in non-endemic countries, raising global concern.

Symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of mpox in humans are similar to but milder than those of smallpox. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for mpox is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days. The illness begins with:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion

Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages before forming a scab which falls off.

Transmission of Mpox

Mpox can spread from animals to humans (zoonotic transmission) and from one person to another (human-to-human transmission). The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through close contact with infectious material from skin lesions of an infected person, through respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact, and through fomites (contaminated objects).

Preventing Mpox

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent infection with mpox virus:

Avoid close contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where mpox occurs).
Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients with mpox.

Treatment for Mpox

There is no specific treatment for mpox, but the disease is usually self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own. The symptoms can be managed, and supportive care can be given to improve comfort and recovery. This includes:

Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Taking medications to reduce fever and relieve pain
Keeping the skin lesions clean to prevent secondary infections

For severe cases, antiviral medications originally developed for smallpox (such as tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir) may be considered.

Conclusion

Raising awareness and understanding of mpox is crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding the disease. By knowing the facts about mpox—its symptoms, how it spreads, how to prevent it, and how it’s treated—we can work together to minimize its impact and support those affected by it. It’s important to stay informed through reliable sources and follow recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of mpox.

While mpox poses challenges, it’s a reminder of the importance of global health surveillance and the need for continued research into emerging infectious diseases. Through coordinated efforts and public education, we can combat the stigma and effectively manage the risk of mpox.

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