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Introduction

MPox (monkey pox) disease is a disease caused by monkey pox virus which presents relatively similar symptoms to diseases like small pox and chicken pox. It is a disease whose primary host is in rodent animals like monkeys, squirrels, rats and mice and can be spread from these animals to humans and then from person to person. It is self limiting in its mild forms but can cause death in its severe form. It is treatable and preventable as well.

MPox is a disease outbreak that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by WHO(World Health Organization) for the second time in two years. The initial outbreak was in DRC where it is endemic and has had very many cases and confirmed deaths but has also spread to surrounding countries including Uganda where the first two cases of MPox were confirmed in Kasese district. By August 2022,five confirmed cases had been reported and sources with in ministry of health report that confirmed cases have increased to 10 by the end of August.

Symptoms

Skin rash(pustules)

Mucosal lesions in the mouth

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches

General body weakness

Back pain

Signs

Lymphadenopathy(enlarged lymph nodes)

Investigation(lab test):MPXVR PCR test

Mode of transmission

MPox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has MPox, contact with contaminated materials of an infected person, contact with infected animals.

During pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus, or to the newborn during or after child birth

It can also be sexually transmitted especially among sex workers and men who have sex with other men

Management

MPox can be managed and treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care prevention of secondary infections and treatment of co-morbidities like HIV, DM and HTN.

How to protect yourself

Avoid contact with an infected person

Avoid contact with personal belongings of an infected person

Avoid contact with or eating animals that have been identified as hosts to the virus like monkeys, squirrels, rats and mice

Get vaccinated with the MPox vaccine.

The vaccine should be given less than 4 days after contact with someone who has MPox but can also be given for up to 14 days if the person has not developed symptoms.