The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
OVERVIEW AS AT 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a disease similar to smallpox, although less severe. Prior to 2022, mpox was found in central and west Africa. This is because mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, and the animals that carry the virus tend to live near tropical rainforests, like different species of monkeys, rats, etc.
As the disease can also spread from humans to humans, it can now be found beyond the African continent, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 14 August 2024. This is not cause for panic, however, as mpox is still rare, but precautionary measures are being taken as the number of cases in Africa and around the world are increasing.
There are two types of monkeypox virus: clade I and clade II (a clade is used in biology to mean group or branch):
- Clade I causes more severe illness and deaths. Some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death tolls.
- Clade II is the type that caused the global outbreak that began in 2022. Infections from clade II mpox are less severe, and more than 99.9% of people survive it.
MPOX IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa there have been 25 mpox cases and three deaths reported as of 9 September 2024:
- Gauteng: 12 (1 death)
- KZN: 11 (2 deaths)
- Western Cape: 2
South African cases appear to be clade II, primarily affecting MSM (men who have sex with men), and at present the WHO estimates the risk to human health for the general public to be low in our country. However, mpox still presents a significant public health challenge, and South African authorities have prioritised enhanced surveillance and increased public education on effective prevention strategies.
You can monitor mpox updates for South Africa on the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) website.
HOW IS MPOX SPREAD?
Mpox spreads from animals to humans when infected animals bite or scratch them, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, or eating the infected animals.
Mpox spreads from humans to humans mainly through close contact with someone already infected with the virus. Close contact includes:
- skin-to-skin (touching or sex)
- mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
- mouth-to-skin contact
- face-to-face (talking or breathing close enough to one another to breathe in respiratory droplets)
- contaminated objects (like clothing and linen)
- needles (tattoo parlours, or needlestick injuries in healthcare)
People with mpox remain infectious until all their sores have healed, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Some people can be infected without developing any symptoms – there have been some reports on people being infected from someone who has no symptoms, but not enough is known about how common this is.
An infected mother can also pass the virus on to her child, either during pregnancy or birth.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF MPOX INFECTION?
People most at risk of mpox infection include:
- health- and care workers at risk of exposure
- people in the same household or close community as someone who has mpox, including children
- people who have multiple sex partners, including men who have sex with men
- sex workers of any gender and their clients
Children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV and other comorbidities that are not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MPOX?
Symptoms of mpox infection usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. They usually last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
Common symptoms are:
- rash
- fever
- respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- headache
- muscle aches and backache
- back pain
- low energy / exhaustion
- swollen lymph nodes
You may experience all or only a few of the symptoms. If you have flu-like symptoms, you will likely develop a rash 1–4 days later.
MoreWHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?
In some cases, mpox can be fatal. If you have a new or unexplained rash or have other mpox symptoms, especially after potential exposure, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Be sure to wear a mask when you see them.
If your healthcare provider decides that you should be tested, they will collect the specimens and send them to a laboratory for testing. Until you have a diagnosis, you should avoid close contact with anyone else, including sex or being intimate.
WHAT IS THE DANGER IF I’M PREGNANT?
Mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous, potentially leading to loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth, death of the newborn, or complications for the parent.
HOW IS MPOX TREATED?
The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.
MoreHOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FROM MPOX?
As with most viral infections, the best preventative habits are:
- Avoiding contact with people who are infected
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Wearing a mask in crowded, indoor spaces
- Practicing safer sex (wear a condom and limit your number of partners)
- Thoroughly cooking all foods that contain animal meats or parts
FURTHER READING
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