Mpox has found its way into the news as cases increase across the globe. Here, we discuss all things Mpox so that you can better understand what this virus and disease is, and whether it is something that you should be worried about! Mpox is part of the genus Orthopoxvirus, similar to Smallpox. Large, double-stranded DNA virus with a protective envelope around it. Less likely to mutate than RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Endemic to Western and Central Africa with rare spread into United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore in the past. 80-120 cases globally over the past few weeks in 11 countries, highly atypical for Mpox. More cases outside of Africa than in the last 50 years combined. Belgium, France, Portugal, United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, France, Canada, United States all seeing cases. Zoonotic illness with most cases transmitting from animals like monkeys, squirrels, rats, mice, and other rodents to humans. Much less human to human transmission. Incubation period 6-13 days on average. Contact with blood, bodily fluids, active lesions in animals. Humans transmit it to one another through prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions or lesions. Potentially sexual contact as well. Starts with viral syndrome symptoms like fevers, bad headache, severe fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes after incubation period. Then pox rash most commonly on face, hands, feet. Can affect eyes as well! No definitive treatments, although smallpox vaccine 85% affective in prevention, IVIG for vaccinia may work, and Tecovirimat an anti-viral just approved in Europe in 2022.
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