A new version of the pox virus has emerged in Central Africa and is spreading among children and adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries.
A tick infestation causes a pus-filled rash that can last up to four weeks and can be very painful.
But what symptoms should we pay attention to and what can we do to reduce the risk of infection?
What mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
The virus was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark, when an outbreak similar to smallpox was described in research monkey colonies.
Although it is called “monkey pox virusThe original source of the virus is still unknown. Scientists speculate that the virus may be carried by rodents or small mammals such as squirrels and primates.
Cases of Mpox outside areas such as Central and West Africa where the virus is endemic are hhistorically were rare and usually associated with travel or imported animals.
Within two years, However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has twice declared the spread of boxing a global health emergency.
In 2022, boxing has spread to more than 70 countries had not previously reported cases.
Then, by mid-2024, a surge in cases and deaths in Congo and neighboring countries caused WHO to declare the spread of the virus again an emergency of international concern.
How is boxing treated?
There are no drugs specifically approved for moxibustion (known as “MPXV”). But if you have a strong immune system and don’t have a skin condition, you can recover well with appropriate professional care, including pain relief, but without additional treatment, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). .
During the 2022 outbreak, a novel antiviral treatment known as tecovirimat was approved for boxing under a special system.US authorities’ so-called Extended Access Investigation Protocol (EA-IND).
Tecovirimat is stocked by healthcare facilities for emergency use in the event of a recurrence of smallpox. WHO declared smallpox eradicated in 1980. However, smallpox and smallpox are genetically similar, so treatment may be beneficial. However, the CDC says more data are needed to truly evaluate the effectiveness of tecovirimat in the treatment of mpox.
Other treatments for mpox include brincidofovir and cidofovir. But as with tecovirimat, the CDC says data are not available to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments for mpox.
How does mpox spread?
Tthe virus can enter the body through broken skin, mucous membranes (such as the eyes, mouth and nose) and respiratory tract.
You can become infected by coming into close contact with boxing patients, such as skin-to-skin contact during kissing, hugging, sex (oral, anal or vaginal) and massage.
Long face to face interactions with a pox patient (such as talking or breathing) can lead to infection through respiratory droplets that carry the virus.
You can also get ticks from an infected person’s body fluids through shared sex toys, bedding or towels. Pregnant people can pass the virus to their child.
If you are in direct contact with infected animalsyou can also get infected with boxing. This includes skinning, cooking, eating and hunting or biting or scratching infected animals.
An infected person can transmit the virus even before symptoms appear and transmission can continue until all skin lesions have healed and a new layer of skin forms. This can take weeks.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
A viral infection usually starts with a rash that can be located near the anus or genitals or on the chest, face or mouth. The rash may then spread to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and other parts of the body.
The rash may be painful and itchy and initially resemble pimples or blisters that go through several stages before the scabs fall off.
Flu-like symptoms may start before or after the rash. These include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pains or chills. Some people report difficulty urinating and painful swelling of the anus.
Symptoms usually begin within 21 days of exposure to the virus.
Dif the lesions become infected, angry complications can occur, leading to the formation of abscesses.
Other ccomplications can be severe dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), etc.
Who is most at risk?
People who are immunocompromised due to medical conditions or medications there is a higher risk of complications from boxing.
Sex workers, healthcare workers and ppeople who have sex multiple timespartners have a higher risk of contracting pohli.
According to the CDC, pregnant women, children under one year of age and people with a history of eczema are also at risk.
During the 2022 outbreak many people with initial symptoms were mainly, but not exclusively, men who have sex with men.
However The WHO has pointed out that anyone who comes into contact with a person infected with moxibustion can become infected themselves, regardless of sexual orientation.
How can I avoid getting sick from boxing?
Most people recover from boxing in two to four weeks. If you or your partner has pox, avoiding sex, touching or kissing can reduce the risk of transmission.
The CDC recommends aavoiding close contact with people with visible rash at parties, clubs and festivals where scanty clothing is worn and skin-to-skin contact is frequent.
Have fewer sexual partners and also use condoms reduces the risk of infection. However, condoms do not prevent infection if you come in contact with lesions or body fluids from other parts of the body.
The CDC has also issued a warning touching items handled by a person with boxing, including utensils, towels and bedding, and urged frequent hand washing.
You can also get vaccinated, although it may not be a current option in your area and may depend on your risk of complications and exposure.
in the USA For example, people at high risk of infection or complications can receive the Jynneos smallpox vaccine, which helps prevent the spread of smallpox.
Because varicella and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, the vaccines used to prevent smallpox can also be given to protect against them.
Redacted author: Martin Kuebler
This article was originally published on August 16, 2024 and was updated on August 21, 2024 with information about mpox treatment options.
Sources:
Amer F, Khalil HES, Elahmady M et al. Mpox: risks and approaches to prevention. Magazine Infection and public health. Published on June 2023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2023.04.001
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mpox and your health. Published on September 13, 2022.
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/your-health/index.html
Robert Cook Institute, Federal Center for Health Education, Berlin, Cologne. Flyer, distribution and prevention of boxing. Published on February 13, 2023.
https://www.rki.de/EN/Content/infections/epidemiology/outbreaks/Monkeypox/Mpox-Flyer_EN.pdf
van Ewijk CE, Miura F, van Rijckevorsel G, et al. Smallpox outbreak in the Netherlands, 2022: public health response, characteristics of the first 1,000 cases and protection of the first generation smallpox vaccine. Euromonitoring. Published March 2023.
https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.12.2200772
World Health Organization (WHO). Mpox questions and answers. Published on December 11, 2023.
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/monkeypox
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