Monkeypox also known as Mpox is a rare disease caused by an infection with the mpox virus which is part of the same family of viruses called variola virus. The variola virus is same virus that causes small pox so the symptoms of Mpox are similar to smallpox symptoms. The symptoms of the mpox virus are mostly mild and rarely fatal. The symptoms of mpox are rashes which begin as flat spots that turn into bumps, which then fill with fluid and flu-like symptoms that spread through close contact with someone who’s infected or you can even get the infection from an infected animal. There are two known types of mpox virus mainly Clade-I and Clade-II. The Clade-I type of mpox virus has a fatality rate of around 10% in comparison to Clade-II where infections with Clade-IIb are rarely fatal and 99% of people survive the infection with mpox Clade-II virus.
Ways to prevent monkeypox
If you’re at risk of getting an infection with mpox virus then taking a vaccine can help to prevent the spread of mpox virus infection. Other forms of preventive measures include decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread by isolation.
Mpox vaccines
Vaccines developed for smallpox also provides protection against mpox however, currently the mpox vaccine is only recommended for people who’ve been exposed to, or are likely to be exposed to mpox infection.
A person is said to be at greater risk if:
- He has been in close contact with someone with a mpox viral infection.
- If a person had sex in the past; probably two weeks ago can be diagnosed with mpox.
- If a person had sex at an event or location where mpox infection had spread and active cases are present in that locality.
- If a person who is male had sex with men, a transgender person or a nonbinary person is at greater risk for developing mpox.
- A person is at higher risk if he has been diagnosed with one or more sexually transmitted infections in the past six months.
- A person had sex with more than one partner in the last six months.
Conclusion
Mpox is usually a self-limited rare disease that spreads through physical contact and once infected shows symptoms that last from two to four weeks. Following diagnosis for mpox infection, the healthcare provider will monitor your condition and try to relieve your symptoms and might prescribe antiviral drugs like cidofovir and tecovirimat to treat viral infections. The best way to protect you from the mpox virus is by getting vaccinated or taking precautions like avoiding contact with people, who are infected, washing your hands frequently and wearing a face mask in crowded, indoor spaces; such measures can help to prevent the outbreak of this virus. It’s important to get vaccinated before or as soon as possible after exposure to escape from the mpox viral infection. Additionally, having comprehensive health insurance can ensure that you receive timely medical care and support during such infections.