the essentials More than 18,000 suspected or confirmed cases of the new strain of Mpox have been reported in Africa since the beginning of the year, including 1,200 in one week, according to the African Union health agency (Africa CDC). The virus has already crossed its borders with the first cases detected in Sweden and Pakistan. But how is Mpox transmitted and what are the symptoms? We take stock.
Blister-like pimples that invade the skin on every corner of the body. This is the image that comes to mind when we think of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. A virus considered a “public health emergency of international concern” since August 14 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the face of the resurgence of cases in Africa, caused by a new strain, clade 1b. Although countries outside Africa, such as France, are preparing for possible cases, these are expected to remain “sporadic”, according to the resigning Minister of Health, Frédéric Valletoux. But how is this new variant transmitted, and how do you know if you are infected?
How is Mpox spread?
According to information from the Ministry of Health“Transmission of the Mpox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with an animal, human, or material contaminated with the virus.” Transmission occurs through prolonged contact with an infected person. This can occur through inhalation of respiratory droplets or through direct contact with bodily fluids, broken skin, or internal mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth. The virus can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as clothing or bedding used by the sick person.
What are the symptoms?
Throbbing headaches, persistent fever, chills, muscle aches, all accompanied by overwhelming fatigue and, above all, a rash: these are the main symptoms of Mpox. They appear between three and 17 days after being exposed to the virus. The rash, often very painful, appears one to four days after the fever begins.
Also read:
Monkeypox: first case recorded on European soil in Sweden, a first outside Africa
It begins on the face, the anogenital area, the palms of the hands and feet, before spreading to all the limbs of the body, including the mucous membranes of the mouth and the genital area. The vesicles, filled with fluid, eventually dry up, form scabs and heal. The disease heals after two to three weeks, although it can sometimes persist for up to four weeks. However, the virus remains contagious until the scabs have completely fallen off.
What to do if you are sick?
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or a health center immediately. CHEGIDD. In case of severe form, hospitalization may be necessary. Otherwise, isolate yourself at home until the skin lesions have completely healed. Stay in a dedicated room, avoid physical contact with other occupants and abstain from sexual intercourse, even protected, for 21 days. Wear a surgical mask and limit interactions with your pets. If you must go out, cover the lesions, wear gloves and a mask. Do not share clothes, linens or dishes, and place contaminated waste, such as scabs, in dedicated garbage bags.
What if we come into contact with someone with Mpox?
If you are in contact with a sick person, respect the barrier gestures: wear an FFP-2 mask, gloves, a gown and glasses. Wash your hands frequently. Thoroughly clean surfaces, bedding and clothing at the end of isolation.
Also read:
INTERVIEW. Monkeypox: Towards an epidemic throughout Europe? “We must remain vigilant and not give in to panic”, according to a doctor
A “Monkeypox info service” telephone line is available every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., on the toll-free number 0 801 90 80 69. Resources and an online chat are also available on the dedicated site.
