Mpox (Monkeypox)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is mpox?
Mpox, also called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus. It was first found in laboratory monkeys. Mpox is a common animal disease of rodents, such as mice and squirrels, in the Central and West African rainforests. The public health department needs to be informed of an mpox infection. It is a public health concern because the virus spreads quickly.
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How is the mpox virus spread to humans?
The virus can enter through a cut in your skin, or through mucus membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). You can also breathe it in. An infected mother can pass the virus to her unborn baby. Any of the following can increase your risk for mpox:
- A bite or scratch from an infected rodent, squirrel, or prairie dog
- Direct contact with skin sores, blood, or body fluids of an infected person or animal
- Direct contact with bedding or other items used by an infected person or animal
- Breathing in air contaminated with the virus after an infected person coughed or sneezed
What are the signs and symptoms of mpox?
Signs and symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days after infection, but it may take up to 21 days. Fever is usually the first sign. A rash then develops on the middle of the body 2 to 3 days later. The rash later spreads to the arms, legs, and head. The rash may start as a blister or raised bump filled with pus that later gets crusty, scabs over, and falls off. You may also have any of the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits
- Chills and sweats
- Headaches, backaches, or muscle pains
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Sore throat or cough
- Shortness of breath
How is mpox diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Tell your provider if you had any recent animal bites. Tell your provider if you have recently cared for or visited a person who has mpox. You may also need any of the following:
- Blood tests are used to check for the mpox virus.
- A biopsy is a procedure used to take a sample to be tested. Healthcare providers may collect samples of skin, fluid from the blisters, or crust from the sores. These samples will be tested for the mpox virus.
- A throat swab culture is used to take a sample from your throat to be tested for the virus. A throat culture is done by rubbing a cotton swab on the back of your throat.
How is mpox treated?
Medicines may be given to treat symptoms such as fever, pain, or coughing. A vaccine may be given to help your body fight the mpox virus. You may need immune globulins or antiviral medicines if your symptoms are severe.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
- Rest as needed. You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and beans. Healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy.
What can I do to prevent the spread of the mpox virus?
Your healthcare provider will report your mpox infection to the public health department. Do the following until your provider says that you can no longer spread the virus to others:
- Do not go to work, school, or other public areas until your provider says it is okay. You may still be able to give mpox to others even after you feel better.
- Tell healthcare providers that you may have mpox before they come in direct contact with you. They need to take steps to protect themselves and their staff from the virus.
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Avoid being around others whenever possible. Limit your movement inside your house. Limit visitors. Wear a mask when other people are in the room with you. Have your visitors wear masks. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Wear clothing that covers your rash when you must be around other people. This may include long sleeves and long pants.
- Your family members, visitors, and coworkers should pay special attention to how they feel. They should watch for fever or signs of sickness for 3 weeks after visiting you. Anyone who develops a fever or rash should call a healthcare provider right away.
How do I safely care for someone who has mpox?
- Have the person stay in one part of the home. Do not allow visitors or pets in that area, if possible. Have the person wear a mask when other people are in the room. Everyone should wear a mask when in the person's room.
- Clean surfaces often. Use a disinfecting wipe, a single-use sponge, or a cloth you can wash and reuse. Use disinfecting cleaners if you do not have wipes. You can create a disinfecting cleaner by mixing 1 part bleach with 10 parts water. In the kitchen, clean countertops, cooking surfaces, and the fronts and insides of the microwave and refrigerator. In the bathroom, clean the toilet, the area around the toilet, the sink, the area around the sink, and faucets. Clean surfaces in the person's room, such as a desk or dresser.
- Do not share bedding, linens, or eating utensils with the person. These items may be used again after they have been cleaned with hot water and soap.
- Pay close attention to how you feel. See your healthcare provider if you get a fever, rash, or start feeling sick within 3 weeks of being exposed to the mpox virus.
What should I do if I think my pet has mpox?
- Call your veterinarian if you think your pet was exposed to the mpox virus. Any pet may get infected with mpox. Your pet may need to be kept away from people and other animals. Keep the animal in a room that is away from the rest of the house.
- Do not let an infected pet infect other animals or people. If your pet has been exposed to the mpox virus, do not release it into the wild or give it to an animal shelter.
- Wear single-use gloves when you handle your pet or objects that have come in contact with your pet. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after you remove the gloves.
- Be careful with dead infected animals. If you have an animal that you think has died from mpox, put it in a sealed plastic bag. Put that bag into a second sealed plastic bag. Wear disposable gloves to do this and wash your hands after. Call your veterinarian or local health department so they can take the animal away. Do not bury the animal or throw it or its belongings in the garbage.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a seizure.
- You become hard to wake.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have a bad headache, stiff neck, or trouble thinking clearly.
- You become confused, or you act differently than usual.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- Your skin is itchy or you have a rash that is different from your mpox rash.
- Your symptoms do not go away or they get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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