Monkeypox or Mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox virus, is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
The virus was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used in laboratory research, hence the name monkeypox. However, the primary natural source of the virus is rodents, not monkeys.
The characteristics or symptoms of someone infected with the monkeypox virus generally appear in two main stages, namely the prodromal (initial) phase and the eruption phase.
Here are 9 Signs of Mpox Virus Infection
1. Fever
- Early Signs: One of the first signs of having MPOX is a high fever, which can reach more than 38.5°C.
2. Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy)
- Special Features: Swollen lymph nodes often occur in the neck, armpits, or groin. This is a sign that distinguishes mpox from chickenpox or other similar diseases.
3. Headache
- Common Symptoms: Severe headaches often accompany fever.
4. Muscle and Back Pain
- Physical Discomfort: Muscle pain (myalgia) and back pain are often felt by patients.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
- Body Condition: Patients usually feel very tired and weak, with very low energy.
6. Skin Rashes
Main Signs: The rash appears about 1 to 3 days after the fever begins. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body such as the hands, feet, and even the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash progresses through several stages:
- Macula: Flat red patches on the skin.
- Papules: A hard, raised lump.
- Vesicle: Small blisters filled with fluid.
- Pustules: Blisters filled with pus.
- Krusting: The blisters dry out and form scabs or crusts, which eventually fall off.
7. Skin Lesions
- Evolution of Rash: The skin lesions that appear can develop into open sores. These lesions can be itchy or painful, and usually dry out within 2-4 weeks.
8. Respiratory or Eye Symptoms
- Possible Complications: In some cases, symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or conjunctivitis (red eyes) may also occur.
9. Healing
- Disease Journey: Once the skin lesions dry out and crusts form, healing usually takes several weeks, and the lesions may leave permanent scars.
If you or someone you know experiences these signs, especially after contact with a potentially infected person or animal, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Early treatment and proper isolation can help prevent further spread of the virus. Symptoms of monkeypox virus are similar to several other diseases, especially in the early stages of infection.
Also read: WHO Launches Global Strategic Plan to Tackle Mpox
Here are 3 Symptoms Similar to the Mpox Virus
1. Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Similarities: Chickenpox and shingles both cause skin rashes that develop into fluid-filled blisters. The rashes in both diseases usually start on the face and trunk, then spread to other parts of the body.
- Difference: One of the main differences is the characteristic swollen lymph nodes in mpox, which is rare in chickenpox. The mpox rash also tends to be thicker and longer lasting than the chickenpox rash.
2. Smallpox
- Similarities: Mpox has many similarities to smallpox as both come from the same family of viruses (Orthopoxvirus). Symptoms such as high fever, skin rash that develops into blisters, and body aches are common to both diseases.
- Difference: Mpox is usually less severe than smallpox, and the mortality rate from mpox is much lower. Swollen lymph nodes are also more common in mpox.
3. Campak (Measles)
- Similarities: In the early stages, symptoms of MPOX such as fever, fatigue, and skin rash can be similar to measles. The measles rash also usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
- Difference: Measles rash usually appears as flat red patches, while mpox rash develops into fluid- or pus-filled blisters. Measles is also often accompanied by a characteristic sign of small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), which do not appear in mpox.
The Mpox virus causes a disease known as monkeypox or mpox in humans. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that develops into skin lesions.
These lesions often appear on the face, hands, and feet, and may develop into fluid- or pus-filled blisters that then dry out.
Causes and Prevention of Mpox Virus
Transmission
- Transmission from Animals to Humans: Occurs through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, or through contact with the blood, body fluids, or skin lesions of the animal.
- Human to Human Transmission: It can occur through direct contact with body fluids or skin lesions of an infected person, as well as through respiratory droplets at close range. Contact with items that have been contaminated by fluids or lesions can also cause transmission.
Prevention
- Vaccination: Smallpox vaccine can provide protection against smallpox, because the two viruses are highly similar.
- Isolation: Infected patients should be isolated to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Cleanliness: Washing hands with soap, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients, and avoiding contact with wild animals that may be infected are the main preventive measures.
Managing monkeypox virus infection involves preventive measures, symptomatic treatment, and case management to prevent further spread.
Also read: WHO Plans to Disburse IDR 2.1 Trillion to Overcome Mpox Outbreak
Here are 6 steps if you are infected with the Mpox virus
1. Patient Isolation
- Self Isolation: Infected patients should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to others. This means that the patient should stay in a separate room from other family members, and use separate eating utensils and personal hygiene.
- Limited Contact: Only people providing direct care should interact with patients, and they should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and eye protection.
2. Symptomatic Treatment
- Fever and Pain Management: The use of medicines such as paracetamol can help reduce fever and pain.
- Skin Care: Rashes and skin lesions should be kept clean and dry. Avoid scratching or breaking blisters to prevent secondary infection.
- Hydration: Ensure the patient remains well hydrated, either by drinking enough water or electrolyte fluids if necessary.
- Good Nutrition: Provide nutritious food to support the immune system.
3. Specific Treatment
- Antiviral: Although there is no specific treatment for mpox, antiviral drugs developed to treat smallpox (such as Tecovirimat) may be effective against mpox. The use of these drugs is usually considered for severe cases or for patients at high risk of complications.
- Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine is also known to provide protection against smallpox. It can be given to people who are at high risk or have been exposed to the virus to prevent the development of the disease.
4. Prevention of Spread
- Cleanliness: Frequently washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of viruses.
- Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfecting items that may have been contaminated by the patient, such as linens, clothing, and household surfaces.
- Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Avoid contact with wild animals that may be a source of infection, especially in endemic areas.
5. Medical Monitoring and Support
- Symptom Monitoring: Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If symptoms worsen or complications occur, seek further medical care promptly.
- Psychological Support: MPOX infection and isolation can cause stress, so psychological support or counseling may be necessary.
6. Reporting and Contact Tracing
- Case Reporting: Mpox infections should be reported immediately to local health authorities for appropriate management and contact tracing.
- Contact Search: Identify and monitor people who have had close contact with the patient to control the spread.
With these steps, management of mpox infection can be done effectively, reducing the risk of complications, and preventing transmission to others.
Latest Status
Although mpox is most frequently reported in rural areas of Africa, several recent outbreaks have occurred outside endemic areas, including in non-endemic countries.
This highlights the importance of global vigilance and public health efforts to control the spread of this virus. (Z-12)
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