The WHO has declared Mpox a global emergency. According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unlike COVID-19, the Mpox virus (formerly known as Monkeypox) does not easily spread through the air.
Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus (a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus), primarily spreads from one person to another through close skin-to-skin contact.
However, WHO researchers emphasize the need for more studies to understand how Mpox spreads under different circumstances during outbreaks.
The main symptom of Mpox is a rash that turns into pus-filled lesions, which can last for two to four weeks. Other symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
People infected with Mpox are considered contagious until all their lesions have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed underneath, and all lesions on the eyes and body (mouth, throat, eyes, vagina, and anus) have healed. The appearance of the rash can vary depending on the type of Mpox.
Just as precautions were advised to protect against the coronavirus, similar guidelines have been issued by the government to prevent the spread of Mpox.
Although the measures might seem similar, it’s important to note that these two are entirely different viruses. While people might get confused due to the similarities in preventive measures, coronavirus and Mpox are distinct from each other.
The coronavirus is caused by SARS-CoV-2, whereas Mpox is caused by a virus from the Poxviridae family, specifically the Orthopoxvirus.
The Variola virus, which causes smallpox, also belongs to this family. SARS-CoV-2 is a completely new virus that began spreading at the end of 2019, while Mpox has been around for decades, with cases fluctuating in number over time.
High fever and skin rashes that start on the face and spread to the hands, appearing on the palms and soles.
Swollen lymph nodes and the formation of lumps in the body.
Headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Sore throat and frequent coughing.
Initially, the symptoms of Mpox and COVID-19 might appear similar. However, it’s important to note that these two diseases are quite different from each other.
