1) Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
2) Anyone can get mpox. Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with a person with mpox, an infected animal (in historically endemic areas only), or with material contaminated with the virus.
3) Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms last 2-4 weeks and commonly include
rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands (lymph nodes).
4) While most people will fully recover within several weeks some people can become very sick. Babies, young children and immunosuppressed people, including people with untreated HIV and advanced HIV disease, are at higher risk of developing severe mpox and death.
5) If you think you might have mpox,
Do contact your health care provider for advice self-isolate in your own room if possible and open windows
Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
Wear a medical mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
Keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
Take warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores
Take over-the-counter medications for pain, like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
6) If you think you might have mpox, Do not scratch blisters or sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body, and cause sores to become infected;
shave areas with sores until scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body).
7) To prevent spread of mpox to others, people with mpox should self-isolate at home following guidance from their healthcare provider, or in hospital if needed, for the duration of the infectious period (from onset of symptoms until lesions have healed and scabs fall off). Covering lesions and wearing a medical mask when in the presence of others may help prevent spread.
8) The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.
9) Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection. It is recommended for people at high risk for acquiring mpox to get vaccinated if available, to prevent infection with mpox (pre-exposure prophylaxis), especially during an outbreak.
10) Prevent misinformation by sharing only reliable, evidence-based and non-stigmatizing information from trustworthy sources, like your local health authorities or WHO. Avoid spreading unverified claims as these can contribute to fear and misinformation.
Watch the latest Science in 5 episodes on mpox
