23/10/2025
WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?
It is a viral zoonotic disease (it can be transmitted to humans from infected animals, such as small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals) caused by the monkeypox virus. Once a person is infected by an animal, person-to-person transmission may then occur.
Most of the people will recover within 2-4weeks with appropriate care.
SYMPTOMS
Skin rash or mucosal lesions accompanied by:
* Rash on face, hands, feet, body, perianal area or ge****ls
* Rash in mouth, throat, eyes, va**na and a**s
* Fever
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Headaches
* Muscle and back aches
* Low energy
* Painful swelling inside your re**um (proctitis)
* Pain or difficulty when urinating
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
- From animals to humans (zoonotic transmission): Contact with infected animals (e.g., rodents, primates) through hunting, skinning, cooking, or bites.
- Human‑to‑human transmission: This is mainly through close contact — especially:
* Skin‑to‑skin contact with lesions or rashes
* Contact with bodily fluids of an infected person
* Respiratory droplets (in prolonged face‑to‑face contact)
* Contact with contaminated materials (e.g., bedding, clothing)
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- Avoid close, skin‑to‑skin contact with persons who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Avoid contact with items that have been used by an infected person (bedding, clothing, towels).
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers caring for suspected/confirmed cases.
- Vaccines exist: Some smallpox vaccines are effective against mpox due to the related viruses.
- If you live in or travel to an area where mpox is endemic, avoid contact with wild animals (especially rodents, primates) or their raw meat.
TREATMENT AND VACCINATION
* Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection. The vaccine should be given within 4 days of contact with someone who has mpox (or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms).
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of Mpox, visit your nearest health facility.
