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Mpox Testing and Treatment
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Identified in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1958, Mpox was found in colonies of monkeys kept for research and originally named Monkeypox. The Mpox virus is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus that includes thirteen other well-known and not-so-well-known “Pox” viruses. Some of the more well-known viruses related to Mpox include:
- Cowpox
- Camelpox
- Variola (Smallpox)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
The symptoms of Mpox often begin as a rash. This rash can occur on the feet, hands, chest, mouth, and face and can also occur near someone’s genitals. It will undergo several stages, including scabs, before fully healing. Some patients will have a rash that looks like blisters or pimples and may be itchy or painful.
Other symptoms of Mpox can include
- Chills
- Fever
- Exhaustion
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches and backache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
Note: Patients may experience some or all of these additional symptoms.
The incubation period for Mpox is 3 to 17 days. During this time, patients will not show any symptoms and will feel fine.
After the incubation period, symptoms will begin to appear. First, a patient will have flu-like symptoms and then develop a rash 1 to 4 days later. When a rash appears, it is time to contact AFC Urgent Care for medical assistance.
Yes, Mpox is contagious. People can spread Mpox when they show symptoms until their scabs have fully healed and new skin has formed. However, recent outbreaks and studies have suggested that someone may be contagious for up to four days before showing any symptoms.
The Mpox virus can spread by close, personal contact with someone infected. This includes:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with an Mpox rash or scab.
- Contact or exchange of bodily fluids, such as kissing or sexual intercourse.
- Close and prolonged breathing or talking
- Passing the virus to a fetus during pregnancy
The virus can also be left behind on objects and surfaces by someone infected.
Currently, the CDC has found no link between Mpox and these locations. If the water has the recommended level of chlorine, it will kill any virus in it.
Currently, there is no treatment for Mpox. Most people with Mpox will fully recover within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for any medical treatment. However, if you feel like your symptoms are getting worse, please contact your closest AFC Urgent Care Center for additional evaluation and advice. In severe cases, some treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of Mpox.
- Do not pop blisters or pick at scabs. This will not speed up your recovery time and can spread the virus. Furthermore, it could get infected with bacteria, complicating your recovery.
- Avoid shaving any areas with a rash or scab. Avoid shaving altogether, as this can cause more lesions.
- Cover rash, scabs, and any lesions with bandages to limit the spread of the virus.
- When not showering or bathing, keep skin where the rash, lesion, or scabs are as dry as possible.
- Wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If the rash is on your hands, wear gloves that do not irritate the skin to limit the spread of the virus.
- Wear a mask around people and in public to limit the spread of the virus until you are symptom-free.
Get plenty of rest and eat healthy to give your immune system the energy to fight the infection.
Questions? Contact your local AFC Urgent Care Center today for more information.
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