Should I be Concerned about a Monkeypox (Mpox) Outbreak?

You may have heard the news stories about Mpox (previously called Monkeypox) cases in the United States and are wondering if this is something you need to be concerned about. As medication and vaccine experts, pharmacists have specialized training in educating patients and consumers about diseases and the best options to treat them or relieve symptoms. The information below was written by a pharmacist to explain what you need to know about Mpox.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus, which is a virus in the same family as Smallpox. Until recently, Mpox cases primarily occurred in Africa and were only found in other countries associated with people who traveled to Africa or animals imported from Africa.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Initial Mpox symptoms can start 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus and can include the following:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion.

Within a few days of the start of fever, the rash begins, typically on the face, and then spreads to the entire body. The lesions usually start as small spots of discoloration on the skin before gradually changing to pus-filled blisters that will scab over and fall off.

The entire illness lasts about 2 to 4 weeks.

How do I get the Mpox virus?

Mpox virus can be spread from person to person by coming in contact with infected sores, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person. It can also spread from person to person by contact with respiratory secretions that can come from being face-to-face with someone for a prolonged period of time.

Mpox virus can also spread from infected animals to people by handling the carcass of an infected animal, bites from an infected animal, or using products or ingesting meat from an infected animal. Mpox virus can also be spread through contact with materials like bed linens, or clothing that has touched the sores of an infected person or animal.

Is there a vaccine for Mpox?

There are two vaccines that are effective against Mpox and people may be offered at least one of these (typically Jynneos), if they are at higher potential for exposure to Mpox virus. Vaccination may also be given after exposure to the Mpox virus to help prevent Mpox disease.

How is Mpox treated?

TPOXX is also used under a CDC Investigational New Drug protocol to treat Mpox in people with severe disease, or who are more likely to get severely ill, such as people with weakened immune systems. There have been no human studies in people who have Mpox disease.

Most people recover by themselves. The entire illness usually lasts about 2 to 4 weeks.

How can I keep from getting Mpox?

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself against Mpox, such as:

• Avoid contact with animals that could be infected in areas known to have Mpox
• Avoid contact with bedding that has been known to be in contact with an infected animal
• Isolate infected patients from others
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after potentially coming in contact with infected people or animals
• Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, a mask, and a gown when caring for infected people
• Use condoms when having sex.

Summary

The number of Mpox cases has decreased in the United States with effective vaccinations and treatment. Knowing how and where you can be exposed to the Mpox virus is important to prevent the illness. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can avoid getting infected and what to do if you think you have come into contact with the virus.