Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infection caused by the Mpox virus, characterized by a rash similar to smallpox. While person-to-person spread and mortality are lower than smallpox, Mpox can be severe in certain individuals, such as young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
TRANSMISSION
– Animal-to-human: Through contact with infected animals’ bodily fluids, bites, or preparation of bushmeat.
– Human-to-human: Direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids; respiratory secretions and indirect contact through fomites can occur
SYMPTOMS:
– Incubation period: 5-13 days (range 4-21 days)
– Systemic illness: Fever, headache, sore throat, back pain, myalgia, and fatigue, lasting 1-5 days
– Rash: is typically painful. Appears 1-2 days before or after systemic symptoms, lasting 2-3 weeks, and progresses through stages (macules, papules, vesicles, pseudo-pustules, and crusts)
In some patients proctitis, ocular and neurological symptoms can occur
TREATMENT:
– Supportive care: Pain relief medication, stool softeners, topical lidocaine, and sitz baths for proctitis
– Antiviral medications (tecovirimat, cidofovir, brincidofovir) for severe cases or high-risk individuals like
Patients who are severely immunocompromised
● Patients with active skin conditions placing them at higher risk for disseminated infection
● Pregnant or lactating patients,
● Persons <18 years of age
● Patients with protracted or life-threatening manifestations of Mpox, including ocular disease
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL:
– Personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare personnel
– Cover skin lesions, avoid sharing personal items, and wear facemasks
⁃ Strict isolation
– Discontinue isolation when all lesion scabs have fallen off and re-epithelialization has occurred (typically 2-4 weeks).