LAB TEST
Mpox
Mpox is a viral infection in which a person develops fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and a rash that may affect the entire body. Most cases resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. This rare disease was regularly found mainly in central and western African countries. Since January 2023, there has been an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This is the WHO's highest level of global alert, recognizing the potential threat to countries across the globe. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has assessed the risk of infection to the general population in the United States as very low.
Causes
Mpox was first detected in Denmark in 1958 in a colony of monkeys used for research. This is how it first came to be called "monkeypox." The name was changed to mpox to reduce the stigma associated with the previous name. The first human case of mpox occurred in 1970 in the DRC. In 2022, mpox spread to countries where…
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear in 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. A rash appears that can be found on or near the genitals and can appear on all parts of the body. The rash starts as flat spots that become raised bumps, which fill with fluid, then pus. The bumps may be painful. Soon they crust over and form itchy…
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can diagnose mpox by looking at the rash and asking questions about your medical history. Your provider may take specimens from your skin lesions and send them for testing. A PCR test (polymerase chain reaction test) can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific treatment for the mpox virus. In most people, symptoms usually go on their own in 2 to 4 weeks. Certain people may be at risk for more severe disease and may need to be hospitalized and given supportive care: People with severe symptoms People whose immune system is not working well…
Outlook (Prognosis)
In most people, symptoms go away within 2 to 4 weeks. Rarely, severe cases may lead to death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you: Think you may have been exposed to mpox Develop symptoms of mpox Have an unexplained rash If you have mpox, you should contact your provider if: Your symptoms do not improve The rash becomes infected You have nausea, vomiting , diarrhea , or dehydration The rash spreads to your eyes,…
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for people at risk for mpox: People who have had known or suspected contact with someone with mpox People who have had sex with someone in the past two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox People with multiple sexual partners in an area where…
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Clinical features of mpox. www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-signs/ . Updated September 12, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Clinical treatment of mpox. www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-care/ . Updated September 13, 2024.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 29/08/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.