Mpox

Mpox, previously referred to as Monkeypox, is a viral infection (from the same family of viruses as the smallpox). It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals (such as rodents or monkeys) or through human-to-human transmission.

Transmission: 

Mpox is most likely to be transmitted from person to person through:

  • Sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, holding hands, or another close direct contact with Mpox blisters or scabs.

  • Contact with clothing, bed sheets, or towels used by someone with Mpox.

  • Contact with the droplets (coughs or sneezes) of someone with Mpox when they are at a close physical distance from you.

Symptoms: 

Mpox is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks. Symptoms usually appear between 5 and 21 days after infection and may include:

  • High temperature and/or chills.

  • Headaches.

  • Muscle, joint, and back aches.

  • Swollen glands.

  • Exhaustion.

  • Rash on the face that can spread to other parts of the body. 

  • Pain or bleeding from the anus.

Diagnosis:

Mpox is diagnosed through the presence of clinical symptoms and a PCR test: 

  • In the absence of lesions, a nose or mouth swab is performed. 

  • In the presence of lesions, a skin lesion swab is performed, which is the most accurate test.

  • PCR on blood specimens can also be performed.

It is important to note that the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon provides free Mpox PCR tests and can be contacted via the hotline 1287. Testing is also available in different Lebanese hospitals such as Rafic el Hariri University Hospital, Saint Joseph Laboratory, and Rizk Hospital.

Treatment:

It is significant to note that people with a compromised immune system are more vulnerable to complications, so consult a dermatologist or an infectious disease physician to decide on the most suitable treatment plan for your case.

Symptomatic medication is usually prescribed to relieve pain, fever, and lesions. 

In the specific case of lesions or rash, here are some tips: 

  • Avoid scratching your skin.

  • Clean your hands before and after touching lesions.

  • Keep the skin dry and uncovered.

  • Use sterile water and antiseptic on rashes to keep them clean.

Prevention:

A preventative vaccine can be administered that helps prevent the Mpox virus from developing and reduces its severity in case of an infection. It is important to get the vaccine within 4 days of exposure, with an effectiveness rate of 80 to 85%.

Tips to reduce the transmission in case you develop any symptoms or if you were in contact with someone who has Mpox:

  • Contact your physician or 1287 to request a test.

  • Isolate yourself.

  • If possible, do not share a bathroom with anyone. If not, make sure you disinfect after every use.

  • Clean surfaces with a disinfectant or with water and soap.

  • Do not share utensils, towels, or bedding.

  • Do your laundry separately.

  • Ventilate constantly.

  • Avoid using the vacuum while cleaning.

Mpox and HIV:

People living with HIV (PLHIV), whether they have not received any treatment or are under treatment but did not achieve viral suppression, have a greater risk of experiencing a prolonged Mpox infection and developing complications.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be maintained in all people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people without HIV who develop a Mpox infection. Moreover, both PLHIV who are not on ART (even newly diagnosed people) and those who get infected with Mpox should start ART as soon as possible in consultation with an HIV physician.

The treatment’s interruption may lead to complicating the management of Mpox and may worsen the severity of the infection.

Written by:

Fatima Khalil | Sexual health coordinator

Fatima Khalil is the coordinator of sexual health education and outreach at Marsa Sexual Health Center and is currently pursuing a degree in child education. With more than 7 years of experience in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, she has developed several guidelines and educational materials on proper services provision, sexually transmitted infections, and women's health.