The Rise of Mpox (Monkeypox): Should You Be Worried

We've just learned to live with one virus, but another one has recently popped up; it's monkeypox, or what's now being called Mpox. This virus has actually been around since 1958, when it was found in Denmark, but over the past few years, it has been transmitted between humans much easier than before, which has a lot of people worried. It’s natural to feel concerned, whether it's the fear of falling seriously ill or the anxiety over another global shutdown. In this article, we’ll discuss the key details about Mpox and go through its spread and severity so you can decide whether it's something to honestly worry about.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is an infectious disease that comes from orthopoxvirus, known as monkeypox, which is where the name came from. It's an illness that comes from the Poxviridae family that has also been associated with smallpox in the past. Compared to other illnesses of its ilk, the symptoms are quite mild, and it doesn't transmit easily.

How Does Mpox Spread?

For Mpox to spread, it must be transmitted through direct skin contact between an infected person and someone who is not infected. However, Mpox can also be passed from animals to humans if germs from the animal's bites or bodily fluids, like saliva, transfer to a person. Additionally, if improperly cooked meat from an infected animal is consumed by a person, they also run the risk of catching Mpox.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Mpox?

If a human were to catch Mpox, they'd start noticing the symptoms between 5 and 20 days after contracting the virus. But sometimes, people will get symptoms sooner than five days before, depending on how severe the infection is. With Mpox, the person with the virus will go through two stages of symptoms. The first round usually consists of aches and pains all over the body, chills, fever, eye pain, headaches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and moderate to extreme fatigue. These symptoms tend to show up within the first five days of the infection, but after another 4 to 5 days, the second round comes on. Across the body, the infected person will start to notice large bunches of red lumps, which eventually turn into large blister-like sores filled with fluid, known as vesicles. Sometimes, they might burst, and the ones that don't end up turning crunchy and peel off themselves naturally.

How Do Doctors Determine if It’s Mpox?

Since the initial symptoms of Mpox are quite similar to a lot of infections, you might wrongly assume it's a flu during the initial stages. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor immediately for an assessment. Suppose the doctor suspects you may have contracted Mpox; they will refer you for a PCR test to confirm whether you've been infected.

What Treatment Methods Are Available for Mpox?

At this moment, there are no treatment methods available for Mpox, but your doctor may recommend some types of medication to deal with your symptoms, depending on the severity of your infection. There was an antiviral drug, tecovirimat authorized by the European Medical Association (EMA) back in 2022, but it has been tricky for people to get their hands on.

Is There a Vaccine Available Right Now for Mpox?

Yes, there is a vaccine available for Mpox, designed for individuals at risk of contracting the virus. Known as JYNNEOS, this two-dose preventative immunization protects against both Mpox and smallpox. After receiving the first dose, you’ll need to wait four weeks before getting the second. However, if you’ve previously been infected with Mpox, you’re in luck; no vaccine is necessary, as your prior infection makes it very rare for you to catch the disease a second time around.

What Groups of People Are at the Most Risk of Catching Mpox?

• Certain groups of people are more at risk of catching Mpox than others. These are some of them:

• Someone who has been in close contact with an infected person.

• You've had sexual relations with a sex worker or with a large group of people within the last 6 months.

• A person you've recently had sex with has been diagnosed with Mpox.

• Anyone planning on engaging in any sexual activities in a high-risk area for contracting Mpox.

Where Is Mpox Most Prevalent Around the World?

Mpox has primarily affected countries in Eastern and Central Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo bearing the brunt, accounting for an overwhelming 96% of cases in the region. However, Mpox outbreaks aren’t limited to Africa. Australia, despite its remote geographical location, has also seen a massive number of infections this year, reporting 748 cases in 2024 alone. It's important to mention that Mpox hasn't been declared a global pandemic like what happened with Covid-19. While there were grave concerns initially after the global outbreak that kicked off back in 2022, it hasn't spread like absolute wildfire like what happened with the Coronavirus.

Is It Possible to Prevent Mpox?

You can take a few preventative measures to decrease the risk of catching Mpox, including:

• Get your 2-dose vaccine if you're going to be in any high-risk situations.

• Limit skin-to-skin contact with anyone you don't know personally.

• Don't go near any animals that you suspect may have been exposed to Mpox.

• Wash your hands after touching another person's skin.

So, Should You Really Be That Worried About Mpox?

As we wrap up our discussion on Mpox, you might be wondering just how concerned you should be about catching the virus. While there’s a risk of infection no matter where you are, you have a higher likelihood of catching the disease in certain regions than others. If you're not planning on visiting Eastern or Central Africa any time soon, you don't need to get a vaccine. But it's still important to follow all the prevention tips, just on the slight chance you come into contact with someone with the disease. For those traveling to a high-risk area, be sure to get your vaccine and follow all the guidelines provided by your doctor. All in all, while Mpox is still present in some parts of the world, there's no need to worry too much; your chances of contracting it remain low.