Are you scared after hearing about Mpox (Monkeypox)? Let's find out exactly what it is.

You must have heard about the disease called Mpox, or Monkeypox, these days, right? It is very normal to feel a little scared and worried when news comes out that it is spreading all over the world and warnings have been issued by the World Health Organization. But like everything else, before we get scared of this, let's understand this disease precisely and simply. Then we can face this situation intelligently without worrying unnecessarily.

What exactly is Mpox (Monkeypox)?

Simply put, Mpox is a disease caused by a virus. You may have heard of smallpox . This virus belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. But the good news is that Mpox symptoms are usually not as severe as smallpox. Scientists have known about this disease since 1958. At that time, it was first discovered in laboratory monkeys used for research. That is why the name Monkeypox was first used.

The disease was most commonly seen in Central and West African countries. However, since 2022, reports of the virus spreading outside Africa have begun to emerge. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a “ public health emergency of international concern.”

Mpox is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can be transmitted not only from monkeys, but also from other animals in Africa, such as monkeys and rats . It can also be transmitted from person to person.

How is this disease transmitted?

This is the most important part that we all need to be aware of. If we know how the disease is transmitted, it is very easy to protect ourselves.

From one man to another:

It is mainly spread through close contact with someone who has the disease.

• By touching blisters or sores on the skin: By direct contact with blisters or sores on the patient's skin, inside the mouth or nose.
• Through contact with bodily fluids: When bodily fluids such as blood and semen from a patient enter the body of a healthy person.
• By respiratory droplets: By inhaling respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, for this to happen, you need to be in very close contact for a long time, as these droplets do not travel very far.
• By touching an infected object : By touching items such as bedding, clothes, and towels used by the patient. However, the likelihood of transmission is slightly lower this way.

From animals to humans:

You can get the virus if an infected animal scratches or bites you. You can also get it by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. If you have symptoms of Mpox, it is wise to stay away from your pets (dogs, cats).

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Symptoms can appear between 7 and 14 days (and sometimes up to 3 weeks) after exposure to the virus. In recent outbreaks, doctors have observed several new symptoms in addition to the traditional ones. Let's clearly distinguish between the two.

A rash usually begins 1-3 days after the fever begins. These first appear on the face and then spread to other parts of the body, especially the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, arms, and legs.

These blisters have a gradual changing pattern:

1. It first starts as flat spots (macules).

2. Later, they become slightly swollen and form papules.

3. Then they turn into vesicles filled with clear fluid.

4. Eventually, the fluid turns into yellow pus (pustules), dries out, crusts over, and falls off.

Is this disease dangerous? What are the complications?

Most people recover completely from this illness within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it can be quite serious for people with weakened immune systems, young children, and those with other medical conditions .

In rare cases, the following serious complications may occur:

• Brain infection (Encephalitis)
• Blood poisoning (Sepsis)
• Severe pneumonia (Bronchopneumonia)
• Loss of vision due to infection of the cornea.

Death is extremely rare, but the risk increases if proper medical care is not received.

What should you do if you suspect you have come into contact with a patient?

If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has Mpox, don't panic. First, call your doctor for advice. In addition, keep an eye out for symptoms for 21 days.

• Check your body temperature twice a day.
• If you have only chills and a swollen ankle , without a fever or blisters, stay home for 24 hours.
• If you develop a fever and/or blisters, immediately isolate yourself from others and notify your local Medical Officer of Health (MOH).
• If you have no symptoms, you can continue to work as normal. However, avoid donating blood, plasma, breast milk, sperm, or organs for these 21 days.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your doctor will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms to make a diagnosis. They will also try to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, such as measles, chickenpox, and syphilis. A laboratory test is the only way to definitively diagnose measles.

There is no specific treatment for measles yet. Doctors can help prevent complications by treating the symptoms, getting rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.

However, there are vaccines for this. The previous vaccine for smallpox, Mpox, has been found to provide 85% protection. Currently, countries like the United States use two types of vaccines called `(JYNNEOS)` and `(ACAM2000)`. It is best to get vaccinated before you get sick. However, getting vaccinated within 4 days of exposure can help prevent or reduce the severity of the disease. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.

What if I get chickenpox during pregnancy?

If a pregnant or breastfeeding mother contracts the disease, the risk of serious complications may be slightly increased. There is a possibility of transmission from the mother to the baby in the womb through the placenta.

How can we protect ourselves from this?

Protection is the best thing to do. Following these simple steps can provide you with a great deal of protection.

• Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact, kissing, or hugging with someone who has symptoms of chickenpox.
• Do not share personal items: Do not use items such as clothes, bedding, towels, dishes, etc. that have been used by a sick person.
• Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially if you have been in contact with someone who is sick or have touched a suspicious surface.
• Be careful with animals: In areas where the disease is prevalent, avoid handling sick or dead animals.
• Safer sex: If you or your partner have suspicious blisters, the safest thing to do is to avoid having sex until they are completely healed. A condom alone does not provide complete protection.

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