Mpox

• Mpox is a viral illness that can cause a fever, muscle aches, and a rash 
• Mpox is contagious and can be transmitted from animals, contaminated objects, and humans to other humans
• Mpox treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing scars and complications

Mpox is a disease that is caused by the mpox virus. It originated in central and west African countries. During the latest mpox outbreak in 2024, several other countries worldwide also noted cases of this condition. In this article by Ada’s medical team, you can find more information on mpox, what to look out for, possible complications, and treatment options.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a condition caused by the mpox virus. The mpox virus is also abbreviated as MPXV. Mpox is a condition that is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization, as the virus appeared in various countries worldwide, and can cause severe symptoms for some people. As to date, there are two distinct strains of the virus, each with their own substrains. 1

Mpox symptoms can vary from person to person, but usually include general symptoms of an infection with a virus such as: 1 2

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle and joint aches

Apart from these symptoms, a Mpox rash also occurs frequently. This rash is characterized by flat, red sores that initially appear on the face and then spread to other parts of the body within a few days. Even more common than the skin rash are oral lesions, usually in the form of ulcers, which tend to appear 1-2 days after the onset of fever and are closely followed by the rash. The rash itself can be painful or itchy. The sores eventually develop into small sacs filled with fluid, which may lead to scarring in some cases. 3 4

Mpox is caused by a virus. This virus can be transmitted by touching infected people or by touching objects that are contaminated with the virus. 2 You can also get mpox by touching animals that are infected with the virus, especially small mammals and rodents such as monkeys, rats, or squirrels. Mpox transmission between people can happen during sexual contact. Respiratory particles can also be contagious, meaning that being face-to-face with someone, such as while talking or breathing close, can transmit the virus. The virus can also enter the body through small wounds in the skin, by being bitten or scratched by an infected animal, or by consuming infected animals. Additionally, during pregnancy or birth, the virus may be passed from an infected person to their baby. 4 5

Mpox can happen to anyone, although some groups of people are more at risk of hospitalization due to the infection: 

• Small children
• The elderly
• People with compromised immune systems such as people with AIDS or people who take immunosuppressive medication

The symptoms of mpox typically appear 7 to 14 days after you’ve come into contact with the virus, although the incubation period can last up to 21 days. 4 This is also known as the incubation period. Once your symptoms have developed, they usually go away on their own as well. This can take 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, it’s important to treat your symptoms and to stay away from others in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Mpox can look very similar to other conditions, such as: 1

• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Scabies
• Herpes
• Syphylis
• Allergies caused by medication 

As there are many conditions that can cause similar symptoms, it’s important to get tested as soon as you start noticing symptoms. This helps prevent the spread of the virus to others and allows you to receive the appropriate treatment to prevent complications. 

Your healthcare provider can diagnose mpox by taking a swab of your rash and testing it with a PCR-test in a laboratory. If you don’t have a rash, then the swab can also be taken from the throat.

Although most cases of mpox are quite mild and resolve on their own, some people may benefit from mpox treatment to relieve their symptoms. This is mainly achieved by:

• Keeping yourself hydrated
• Reducing your fever with medication
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication 

Antiviral medication to treat mpox is currently still being researched. 

You can prevent getting infected with the mpox virus by taking certain measures: 7

• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. 
• Talk to your sexual partners about any symptoms they may have.
• Be aware of mpox symptoms, especially if you’re traveling or living in a country where there are many cases. Mpox cases are especially high in west, east, and central Africa.
• Do not share objects or bedding with people who may have mpox.
• Do not eat or touch the meat of wild animals in west, east, and central Africa.

Besides these preventative measures, a Mpox vaccine also exists. This can especially be useful if you’re at high risk of contracting the condition. 

Most cases of mpox resolve on their own, although some cases may be severe and may result in serious complications. These might include: 5

• Encephalitis
• Bacterial skin infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Dehydration
• Pneumonia
• Severe scarring 
• Eye disease
• Death
• Sepsis
• Myocarditis
• inflammation of rectum, urinary tract, and genitals

Mpox, also formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral condition that can cause a severe rash. As the condition can lead to complications, it’s important to take preventative measures and to recognize the symptoms of mpox early on. This helps decrease the spread of the virus, and allows you to receive the correct treatment to relieve your symptoms early on.

Q: What are the first signs of mpox? 
A: Mpox typically causes a rash and symptoms of a viral infection such as fever, headache, a sore throat, painful muscles, and fatigue 

Q: Is mpox contagious? 
A: Mpox is contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another. It can also be transmitted by touching or eating animals that are infected with the virus, or by touching objects that have been contaminated with the virus. 

Q: Can mpox be cured? 
A: Mpox symptoms usually go away on their own over the course of a few weeks. It is however recommended to seek treatment in order to relieve your symptoms and to avoid complications of the condition. 

Q: Where is the mpox outbreak? 
A: Mpox cases mostly occur in east, west, and central Africa. The virus is especially present in the Democratic Republic of Congo but has also appeared in other countries all over the world. 

Q: What happens after you get mpox? 
A: Mpox usually goes away on its own, although the blisters that formed during the infection may cause scarring. In order to prevent this, it’s important to not scratch the wounds and to get supportive treatment as recommended by your healthcare provider.