Mpox Explained: Symptoms, Transmission, and How to Stay Protected

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by a virus of the same family as smallpox. While in the majority of cases not as life-threatening as smallpox, Mpox has painful symptoms and, on occasion, serious complications—especially among high-risk groups.

Once a rare, animal-source disease, Mpox is now an issue of public health since it can infect humans. Understanding transmission, symptoms, and prevention is essential to safekeeping yourself and your community.

How Is Mpox Transmitted?

Mpox is transmitted by close contact with an infected individual or contaminated surface. Primary routes of transmission include:

• Direct contact with infected skin lesions, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes
• Contact with contaminated surfaces such as bedding, clothes, or towels

The virus was initially transmitted from animals to humans, typically by bites or scratches from infected animals such as monkeys, rats, or squirrels. Although now less common, zoonotic transmission (from animals) can still occur in certain regions.

Distinguishing Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms usually occur 5 to 21 days after contact and start with flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pains
• Back pain
• Chills and tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes (a major distinguishing feature)

After several days, a rash develops, starting on the face and spreading to palms of hands, soles of feet, mouth, genitals, and other areas. The rash goes through a variety of stages:

1. Flat red spots
2. Bumpy, raised lesions
3. Fluid-filled blisters
4. Pustules
5. Scabs that eventually fall off

The rash can be painful or itchy and may leave permanent scars. Most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks, but the discomfort can be severe during that time.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Mpox?

Mpox is self-limiting for most individuals and will resolve without hospitalization. However, some groups have greater risks for complications, including:

• Young children
• Pregnant women
• Immunocompromised individuals

In severe cases, the virus may affect the eyes, genitals, and mouth, causing vision disturbances, eating difficulty, and severe pain.

New Mpox Strains: What Is Clade 1b?

There are two main types of Mpox:

• Clade 1 – Typically leads to more serious disease
• Clade 2 – Mild and most common in recent outbreaks

A new strain called Clade 1b has been of concern since it is more infectious and severe, particularly in children. Researchers are also yet to learn how the transmission of Clade 1b occurs and how distinct it may be compared to other strains.

Protecting Yourself and Others

Some precautionary measures can reduce the risk of contracting Mpox:

• Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms (in particular, rash or sores)
• Do not exchange towels, razors, or clothing
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
• Practice safe sex – use condoms and avoid intimate contact until all the lesions have healed fully
• Isolate infected individuals until all scabs have fallen off and they are no longer infectious

Is There a Vaccination for Mpox?

Yes, vaccines do exist and they are effective against Mpox but are usually reserved for:

• Medical professionals
• People who are exposed to confirmed Mpox cases
• Those at high risk (such as those with compromised immune systems)

More widespread public vaccination is not yet common, although it probably will be more common based on the spread of newer strains like Clade 1b.

Conclusion: Public Awareness Is Important

Mpox is an avoidable and manageable disease given proper information and preventive measures. Since the virus continues to mutate, staying updated and following basic hygiene habits will go a long way in protection of self and vulnerable populations.

With knowledge of how Mpox is transmitted, how to identify its symptoms early, and with vaccination once available, we can all become contributing factors towards bringing transmission to a stop and safeguarding public health.