Mpox is a pox virus that was first identified in Denmark.
The new strain of the mpox virus is spreading quickly along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is “the most dangerous yet”, says the World Health Organization. The current outbreak has been driven by sexual transmission but there is evidence this strain can also be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact. Those now being infected include schoolchildren, healthcare workers and entire households.
The fluid in these blisters is infectious and mpox can be spread by sharing towels or toothbrushes, for example. Some people have only a few blisters and they might be hard to see, depending on where they are on the body. And some people have no symptoms. Firstly, mpox is now readily spreading from person to person although scientists are not entirely sure why.
Mpox is related to other pox viruses, including cowpox and, importantly, the now eradicated smallpox. It is not related to the very common chickenpox virus, although many of the symptoms of infection are the same. Anyone who exhibits symptoms of mpox infection – or who has had close and not necessarily sexual contact with a confirmed case – should be tested.First and foremost, better communication from healthcare agencies is needed on the types of transmission that can happen between people, where they can get tested and how at-risk groups can be better protected. Learning from the HIV/AIDS crisis, more needs to be done to destigmatise mpox and any preconceptions about it.
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