Mepox is usually a virus of the same family as smallpox, but it is much less harmful than smallpox. The disease is caused by the orthopox virus empox, formerly known as ‘monkeypox virus’. First it was transferred from animals to humans. But now it spreads from person to person. According to the World Health Organization, since 2022, about 100,000 people around the world have been diagnosed with empox. About 200 people have died in this.
What are the symptoms of empox?
- The primary symptoms of this disease are fever, headache, swelling, back and muscle pain.
- Once the affected person develops a fever, a rash may appear. It usually starts from the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
- It may resolve on its own within 14 to 21 days of infection.
- But in some cases it is extremely fatal for vulnerable groups, including young children.
How is empox(Monkeypox) spread?
- Having sex with an infected person.
- Direct contact or talking to an infected person.
- The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- It can also be spread by touching objects such as bedding, clothing and towels that have been contaminated with the virus.
- Animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels are infected and anyone who comes in close contact with an infected animal can become infected.
