Understanding
Mpox (monkeypox)
Cases of mpox, have recently been detected in countries of the Americas where there are normally no cases.
What is
mpox (monkeypox)?
Mpox is a disease that can cause a rash, resembling pimples or blisters, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, malaise). It is called pox (monkeypox) because it was first detected in apes.
Can I get
mpox?
Anyone can become infected if they have close personal contact, often skin-to-skin, with someone who has symptoms.
Symptoms
of mpox
Symptoms usually appear two weeks after contact with the virus and and tend to last for two to four weeks.
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Rash in the form of pimples or blisters on the skin, which can affect any part of the body, although it is mostly observed on the genitals, anus, and mouth.
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Inflammation of the rectum that may cause discomfort, bleeding, or discharge of mucus or pus.
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Fever.
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Swollen lymph nodes.
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Headache.
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Muscle aches and pains.
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Lack of energy.
Ways in which mpox
can be transmitted
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Close physical contact with someone who has symptoms, such as face-to-face contact and touching (including hugging, massaging, and kissing).
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Skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse, including oral sex and penetration (vaginal or anal). Touching of genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus of a person with mpox.
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Contact with the pimples or blisters, and later scabs that appear with the disease.
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Contact with objects and surfaces that have been used by a person with mpox and have not been disinfected, such as bed sheets and towels.
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Close face-to-face contact or exposure to saliva and saliva droplets, through kissing.
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Contact with objects and surfaces that have been used by a person with mpox and have not been disinfected, such as bed sheets, towels, and sex toys.
How can I protect myself
from mpox
Avoid close contact, including sexual contact, with persons with mpox or or suspected case of the disease.
- Encourage the person to isolate and cover any skin lesions if possible (e.g., with a light bandage or clothing over the rash).
- When in physical proximity, wear a mask (yourself, the ill person, and the caregiver.)
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact and wear disposable gloves if you have direct contact with the lesions.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or rub them with alcohol-based gel, especially after contact with the infected person, their clothing, bed sheets, towels, and other items or surfaces that you have touched, or that may have come into contact with their rash or saliva (e.g., silverware and dishes).
- Wash clothes, towels, bed sheets, cutlery and dishes with hot water and detergent.
- Wear a face mask when handling clothing or bedding. Disinfect all surfaces, and dispose of contaminated waste (e.g. bandages) in closed bags.
Consider the degree of personal and close skin-to-skin contact at the event you plan to attend:
If you feel unwell or have a rash or blister, do not go to any gathering, call a health service and clearly explain your symptoms.
Avoid contact with rashes or sores that you can see on others and consider minimizing skin-to-skin contact when possible, especially in places that pose a higher risk, for example:
- A party or nightclub where clothing is minimal and there is direct, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact.
- Outbreaks have been reported in saunas and other enclosed places.
View also:
Anyone who had close physical or intimate contact with someone who has symptoms or rashes on the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, anus) caused by this disease, is at risk. Since the virus has initially been identified in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, learning about mpox, its symptoms, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself, can help to reduce transmission.
Stigmatizing people because of a disease is NEVER OK.
Anyone can get or transmit mpox, regardless of their sexuality.
Visit PAHO TV to watch more videos about mpox. VIEW VIDEOS
*Information on mpox changes rapidly as more data becomes available. For the most up-to-date information visit this webpage frequently.