Introduction

Monkeypox, now officially termed Mpox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. While less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can still cause significant health issues and has gained increased attention in recent years due to outbreaks in regions outside Africa, where it was traditionally endemic.

Transmission and Symptoms

Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with infected animals, but human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or lesions of infected individuals. In recent outbreaks, transmission through close intimate contact has been emphasized. Typical symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes more severe complications such as secondary infections or respiratory distress.

Prevention and Treatment

Vaccination against smallpox offers some protection against monkeypox, but specific vaccines and treatments are still being developed. For medical students, understanding infection control practices, proper handling of specimens, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are critical for preventing the spread of the virus in clinical settings.

By staying informed about mpox, medical students can contribute to better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention during outbreaks.