Mpox

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a viral illness that causes a distinctive rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It used to occur mainly in parts of Central and West Africa; since 2022, outbreaks have occurred in many other countries including India. Most cases are mild; severe disease can occur in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity.

How it spreads

• Close physical contact — including sexual contact — with someone who has the rash
• Contact with contaminated clothes, bedding, or towels
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact
• From mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth
• From infected animals (historical African outbreaks)

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after exposure:

• Rash — starts as flat red spots, becomes raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters, which crust over and eventually fall off. Can appear anywhere — face, arms, legs, genital area, mouth. Rash may all be at the same stage or different stages at once.
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Chills
• Fatigue

Illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. A person remains contagious until all lesions have crusted and healed, and new skin has formed underneath.

Diagnosis and treatment

• Swab from a lesion for PCR testing
• Most cases are mild and recover with supportive care — paracetamol, hydration, treating secondary bacterial infection if it occurs
• Specific antiviral medicines exist and are used for severe cases, at-risk patients, or outbreak control
• Hospital care for severe cases, pregnant women, children under 8, and immunocompromised people

Prevention

• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a rash resembling mpox
• Don't share bedding, towels, or clothing with someone with an active case
• Isolate if you have mpox — until all lesions have healed
• Condoms reduce but don't eliminate sexual transmission during active infection
• Wash hands often
• Vaccines exist and are offered to people at highest risk during outbreaks
• Healthcare workers caring for mpox patients use protective equipment

If you develop an unexplained rash — especially with fever or swollen lymph nodes — see a doctor and mention any recent travel or close contact. Testing is available through government infectious-disease surveillance.