Monkeypox guide in 6 questions from the Directorate of Communications: Frequently asked questions answered

The Presidency's Directorate of Communications has shared some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the mpox (monkeypox) disease.

In an announcement made on the Presidency's social media account, answers were provided to frequently asked questions such as "When should a mpox test be taken?", "What are the symptoms of mpox?", "What should a person with mpox symptoms do?", and "How is mpox treated?"

The questions and answers shared regarding the disease are as follows:

WHAT IS MPOX?

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans that can rarely be fatal; although it is clinically milder, its symptoms resemble those seen in smallpox patients in the past. It can also be transmitted from person to person.

WHEN SHOULD A MPox TEST BE PERFORMED?

Individuals who suspect they have mpox or have been in close contact with someone who has mpox should consult a healthcare facility, and a doctor should decide whether or not the person should be tested.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MPOX?

Mpox typically presents with symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough), headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and characteristic skin rashes specific to the disease.

WHAT SHOULD A PERSON WITH MPOX SYMPTOMS DO?

If you notice a new or unexplained skin rash, you should consult a healthcare facility. Until you have consulted a healthcare facility and received test results, you should avoid close contact with others (including sexual contact). If the test result is positive, the patient should continue to self-isolate until their skin appears clean and healthy (skin rashes will heal by crusting over and falling off). The patient should continue to isolate until symptoms such as fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough have disappeared.

While isolating, the patient should avoid contact with others (including sexual contact), should only go out to see a physician or for emergencies, and should avoid using public transportation. When the patient must leave isolation, they should cover skin rashes and wear a well-fitting mask.

The mpox virus can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with skin rashes, scabs, or body fluids. The mpox virus can be transmitted from person to person through prolonged, close contact, or sexual contact.

Some patients may transmit the virus to others 1-4 days before symptoms of Mpox begin.

HOW IS MPOX TREATED?

There is no specific treatment developed for mpox; however, due to genetic similarities between viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox can be used in the treatment of mpox, although their effectiveness has not been fully proven.

CAN MY PET CONTRACT THE MONKEYPOX VIRUS?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease (one that can be transmitted between animals and humans), but pets are currently not at high risk for the monkeypox virus.