Recent cases of mpox (previously known as monkeypox) in South Africa have highlighted the importance of remaining alert about this disease, especially within the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM) communities.
Here is everything you need to know about mpox, including the symptoms and how it’s spread.
1. What is mpox?
Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, one of the more than 80 poxviruses known to science.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of mpox?
- Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, chills and exhaustion.
- Within 1-3 days, a blister-like rash (sores, pimples or blisters) – very much like chickenpox – will develop on the face and the extremities, including the chest, soles of the feet and palms of the hands.
- The painful rash/sores may also occur on other parts of the body including around the genitals and anus and in the rectum.
- The rash/sores progress through several stages before scabbing over.
Most cases resolve within 2-3 weeks.
3. How is the mpox virus transmitted?
- Touching the rash, sores, or scabs of someone who has mpox
- Contact with bodily fluids, (blood, saliva, blood or pus)
- Close face-to-face contact via saliva during talking, close dancing or kissing
- Contact with personal items like clothing, bedding, or towels.
- Through skin to skin contact
4. Are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (MSM) more at risk of mpox?
While men who have sex with men have been among those most affected in South Africa, anyone, no matter their sexuality, is equally vulnerable to mpox if they have close contact with someone infected with the virus. Health experts and organisations have condemned any efforts to blame, shame or stigmatise MSM concerning the mpox virus.
5. Can you get mpox from sex?
Yes. Mpox can spread during any close or intimate physical contact between people. This contact can happen when you have sex, including:
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals or anus of a person with mpox;
- Hugging, massage, kissing or talking closely;
- Touching fabrics, shared surfaces, and objects, such as bedding, towels and sex toys, that were used by a person with mpox.
6. When is an mpox-infected person no longer contagious?
An infected person is contagious from the start of the rash/sores through the scab stage. Once all scabs have fallen off, a person is no longer infectious.
7. How is mpox diagnosed?
Mpox is diagnosed by a healthcare worker. The rash would be the most telling sign. However, many other diseases, such as chickenpox, may cause similar rashes and are more common. Samples are sent for testing to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to confirm a diagnosis of mpox.
8. How is mpox treated?
Most cases of mpox infection do not require any specific treatment and the disease resolves on its own. There are anti-viral drugs that a doctor may consider using for the treatment of severe cases of mpox on a case-by-case basis. It’s rare for someone to die from mpox, but individuals who are immunocompromised – such as those living with HIV who are not on treatment – are most at risk of serious complications.
9. How can mpox be prevented?
The spread of mpox can be stopped by isolating and tracing the people an infected person has been in contact with. There is limited mpox vaccine availability in South Africa .
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting mpox:
- Reduce your number of sexual partners;
- Be cautious of group sex;
- Be cautious at sex-on-premises venues (cruising bars, saunas and darkrooms);
- Refrain from sex if you or your partner has a rash or sores;
- Wash your hands well regularly and use hand sanitizer;
- If you are able to access the vaccine, get vaccinated.
10. What should you do if you think you have mpox?
The first step is to isolate yourself and ensure that you avoid any close contact with others. It is also important to seek medical attention if you are suffering from a rash and you think you may have mpox. (There are many other causes of a rash, most of which can be treated and any discomfort or pain addressed.)