How does it spread?

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids
• respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their foetus through the placenta
• It's also possible for people to get Mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meal or using products from an infected animal.³

How can we prevent the spread of the Mpox virus?

According to the WHO, implementation of appropriate infection prevent and control (IPC) measures, for example adequate screening space, ventilation, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning and disinfection, and training of health workers, is essential to mitigate and control transmission of monkeypox in healthcare and community settings. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Mpox, do not share eating utensils or cups, wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser, especially after contact with infected people.

Health workers should apply standard precautions and perform a risk assessment to evaluate the need to use tranmission-based precautions. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, patient placement, PPE, aseptic technique, safe injections and sharps injury prevention, environmental cleaning and disinfection, proper handling of laundry and linen, decontamination and reprocessing of reusable patient care items and equipment, and waste management, should be used for all patients at all times.¹

WHO advises that transmission-based precautions be implemented for any suspected or confirmed case of Mpox in healthcare settings, including the use of respirators by health workers, as described in the clinical management and infection prevention and control for Mypox: Interim rapid response guidance, 10th June.

What are the treatment options available?

Mpox symptoms often resolve on their own without the need for treatment. It is important to take care of the rash by letting it dry if possible or covering with a moist dressing to protect the area if needed. Avoid touching any sores in the mouth or eyes. Mouth rinse and eye drops can be used as long as cortison-containing products are avoided. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) may be recommended for severe cases. An antiviral that was developed to treat smallpox (tecovirirmat, commercialised as TPOXX) was also approved for the treatment of Mpox in January 2022, for people who are more likely to get severely ill, such as patients with weekened immune systems.⁴