Mpox, previously known as the monkeypox, has recently gained attention because of its resurgence. It’s a viral illness that’s caused by the monkeypox virus, initially identified in Central and West Africa. Now that the first mpox case has been reported in the Philippines, it’s important to understand its transmission, symptoms, and prevention strategies to help curb its spread. So, here’s a quick guide on what you need to know about mpox.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that’s caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between humans and animals. The virus is endemic or found regularly in parts of Central and West Africa. Particularly in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals.

Although mpox is part of the viral family that causes smallpox, it’s less deadly. Mpox is also often compared to chickenpox since part of its symptoms are rashes. However, the two are not related since chickenpox is caused by the herpes virus.     

How do you get Monkeypox?

Mpox can spread through close contact with someone who’s infected with the disease. Close contact can include:

• Skin-to-skin contact (touching)
• Mouth-to-mouth contact
• Mouth-to-skin contact
• Face-to-face interactions (talking or breathing closely)

Moreover, coming into contact with an animal that’s carrying the virus can also lead you to develop the disease. The animal can infect you through physical contact, such as bites or scratches. You can also get mpox if you consume an infected animal that’s not cooked thoroughly.

You can also get infected with mpox if you come into contact with recently contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, or utensils.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that you can also get infected with mpox through airborne transmissions, such as respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols. However, experts’ opinions on this matter are divided.

A 2023 study by Lee indicates that airborne transmission can be a possible route for the virus. Meanwhile, a study by Beeson et al. concludes that respiratory transmission is highly unlikely.

Also Read: DOH warns the public about illegal skin treatments

Monkeypox Symptoms and Diagnosis

Monkey pox symptoms can range in signs and severity. But common indications that you’re infected by the virus can include:

• Rashes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes

In most cases, the symptoms can go away on their own after a few weeks with medication. However, some can experience severe symptoms, complications, or death. Newborn babies, children, pregnant women, and people with immune deficiencies are at higher risk of more serious mpox cases.

Medical professionals diagnose mpox by taking a tissue sample from an open sore for testing. You might also need to give a blood sample so they can check for the mpox virus in your immune system.

Mpox Treatment  

Fortunately, mpox can go away on its own after two to four weeks. However, medical professionals will still monitor your condition to help relieve your symptoms and prevent you from dehydrating. They can also provide you with antibiotics if you develop additional infections.

There aren’t currently any approved antiviral treatments for mpox. If your case is severe, doctors may prescribe you antiviral drugs that treat other infections (like smallpox). Thus, more research is still needed so healthcare providers can further understand how the disease works.

Current Cases of Monkeypox  in the Philippines

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) just declared this year’s first monkeypox case in the Philippines on August 18, 2024. The news came days after the WHO declared mpox a global health emergency.

The current case is one out of the ten reported mpox cases in the country. Fortunately, all previous cases were isolated, and all of the patients have since fully recovered.

The current patient is a 33-year-old male with no travel history outside the country. Although the DOH didn’t mention the exact location where the case was reported.

However, the patient reportedly had close, intimate contact three weeks before showing symptoms of the disease. Apparently, his symptoms started more than a week ago through a fever. Rashes on several areas of his body, like his face, back, nape, and soles, soon followed four days later. The patient was then sent to a government hospital where medical professionals collected samples of his skin lesions for testing.

Also Read: New Mpox Case in the Philippines Confirmed in 2024

Prevention and Awareness

With the anticipated rise of mpox in the Philippines, the best way you can protect yourself is to get vaccinated. Vaccines for smallpox can provide protection against mpox. Although there are specific vaccines for mpox, they’re only recommended for persons who have been exposed or are likely at higher risk for the disease. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get both doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine 4 weeks apart. It’s a third-generation vaccine based on a live, attenuated orthopoxvirus, Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA), licensed to prevent smallpox and mpox.

Minimizing contact with infected animals and reducing person-to-person contact are also recommended methods for reducing the spread of mpox. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water more often and clean frequently touched surfaces. If you notice any mpox symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

The DOH will also strive to keep the public well-informed about the disease to help prevent further cases. According to a survey done by Berdida in 2023, social media (particularly Facebook) can be a good platform for spreading the awareness of mpox.

Final Thoughts

Now that the Philippines has its first Mpox case for 2024, it’s important to be aware of its modes of transmission, symptoms, and prevention. Although the disease can go away on its own, staying informed and practicing recommended precautions can help prevent future cases in the country. Hopefully, this guide has helped you get up to speed on mpox so you can contribute to its efforts to spread its awareness.

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8)

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