WHAT IS MONKEY POX (MPOX)?
Monkey Pox (Mpox) is an infectious viral disease caused by the monkey pox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus – the same family that includes smallpox. It is a zoonotic disease that originated in monkeys and is passed from animals to humans. Human-to-Human transmission occurs through direct contact through skin lesions, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces. Mpox poses a higher risk to individuals who have had two or more partners within a six month period.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The duration of the onset of symptoms ranges from 3-17 days, and lasts for about 2-4 weeks.
In the beginning, patients typically develop flu-like symptoms such as the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache and backache
- Exhaustion/Fatigue
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpits or groin)
- Respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion
Other symptoms (the rash) pertaining to physical appearance will develop later.
- Appearance: It starts with macules (red spots) that eventually become vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) which will then result in pustules (pus-filled blisters).
- Location: Often begins to develop on the face, then spreads to palms, soles, chest, genitals, or anus.
- Progression: Lesions crust over, dry up, and fall off, typically taking 2-4 weeks to heal.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Mpox prevention involves avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, practicing good hygiene (frequent handwashing, covering coughs), avoiding shared items, and using barrier protection like condoms during sex, alongside vaccination for high-risk groups, with strategies focusing on minimizing skin-to-skin contact and environmental cleaning.
TREATMENT
Mpox treatment prioritizes supportive care for symptoms, while vaccination prevents infection, especially for high-risk groups, used as both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within days of exposure.
- Supportive Care: Most mpox cases are mild and treated with supportive care, including managing pain, fever, and itching.
- Symptom Relief: Warm baths with oatmeal, calamine lotion, and antihistamines can help with itching.
- Isolation: Infected individuals should isolate to prevent spread, with healthcare workers using strict PPE.
For patients experiencing more severe symptoms such as proctitis or pharyngitis, it is recommended to visit a doctor for a more thorough examination in order to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
VACCINATION
The Mpox vaccine provides effective protection against Mpox by leveraging its relationship to smallpox, requiring two doses for the best results and offering significant prevention of severe illness.
In line with Singapore MOH recommendations, individuals receiving the Mpox vaccine should complete two doses, with the second dose scheduled about four weeks after the first, for best protection.
It is recommended for high-risk groups, including close contacts, and immunocompromised individuals, with vaccination given post-exposure or pre-exposure for prevention.
For more information on Mpox vaccination, feel free to drop us a message via Whatsapp (+65 8764 7488), Anteh Dispensary is located at 1 Lorong 22 Geylang, #01-02 Grandview Suites, 398664 Singapore. Kindly be assured that all consultations are private and confidential.