Many of us first learned of mpox (previously known as monkeypox) in 2022, when the largest known outbreak affected approximately 100,000 people across more than 100 nations. While mpox is commonly seen in central and western Africa, the 2022 outbreak expanded fast from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to previously unknown locations. Before the epidemic was contained, the United States alone reported over 32,000 infections and 58 deaths.
A new outbreak of mpox has brought it back into the spotlight. What should you know and do about the latest global health emergency? What are your risks? Are vaccinations available? How do you avoid spreading mpox?
What is unique about the 2024 mpox outbreak?
This time, the virus has a new variant known as Clade 1b that is spreading swiftly. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a second global health emergency in August 2024.
More than 15,600 cases and 500 deaths have been reported so far, with the majority occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And mpox has been discovered in countries where no cases had previously been reported, such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Recent instances in Sweden and Thailand have prompted public health officials to prepare for further international spread, potentially to Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Mpox: 6 Things You Should Know
What is mpox, and how is it transmitted?
Mpox is a viral infection caused by viruses from the same family as smallpox. Certain animals in central and western Africa, such as squirrels and rats, are prone to it. People can become infected by interaction with sick animals. Mpox can be transmitted from person to person via close physical contact, including intercourse.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Mpox causes flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinct rash. The rash normally appears a few days after the infection, as little flat areas. Over the course of a week or two, the spots develop into little fluid-filled bumps (vesicles) similar to chickenpox, followed by bigger pus-filled blisters. The blisters will scab and recover over the next week or two. After then, a person is no longer contagious.
Although the condition is often minor, some patients have problems. Serious problems include pneumonia, eyesight loss from an eye infection, and sepsis, a potentially fatal infection.
What are your chances of having mpox?
Location and activities influence your risk of contracting mpox.
Risk rises if you
possess bedding, clothing, or other items or surfaces touched by an infected person; live in or travel to an area where the mpox virus is endemic, meaning it is present in the environment, such as in the soil; be a man who engages in frequent sex with men and has multiple sexual partners.
When patients develop mpox, the risk factors for experiencing more severe disease or consequences, including pneumonia, are:
Pregnancy, young age (particularly for children under 1), compromised immune system, and eczema can all weaken the skin barrier.
Why is the mpox outbreak so concerning?
The present outbreak of mpox is particularly concerning because the virus strain is more deadly than in 2022. The virus is spreading faster and reaching areas where mpox had not previously been discovered.
Furthermore, the current outbreak has disproportionately affected children and teenagers, many of whom are already malnourished or have other infections like cholera.
Are there any mpox vaccinations or treatments?
There are two vaccines available to prevent mpox in the United States:
- Jynneos is licensed for the prevention of smallpox and mpox. It requires two injections, four weeks apart.
- ACAM2000 is a vaccination that is authorized for the prevention of smallpox and is thought to be effective against mpox. It could be made available if necessary, but its probable negative effects make it a secondary option.
Tecovirimat, an antiviral medication, is approved to treat smallpox. Animal research indicates that it may be useful in treating mpox as well. The medication is now being studied as an mpox treatment and may be available by joining a study. A 2024 study indicated that tecovirimat did not shorten the duration of symptoms in adults and children with Clade 1 mpox. However, the death rate (1.7%) was half that what was predicted. However, it remains unclear if the low fatality rate was related to drug treatment.
Understanding Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Bronchitis, an upper respiratory infection, often lasts longer than a common cold but usually doesn’t need antibiotics or medical treatment. While adults get several colds each year, bronchitis, or “chest colds,” are less common, affecting about 5% of adults annually. The persistent cough that comes with bronchitis makes it seem more serious, leading many to visit their primary care provider.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air from the windpipe to the lungs. It often starts as an infection in the nose, sinuses, ears, or throat and then moves to the bronchi.
The main symptom is a cough, which can be dry or produce phlegm that may be yellow or green, indicating your body is fighting the infection. Other symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, chest discomfort, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Like a cold, bronchitis usually resolves on its own, but symptoms can last up to three weeks. You might feel better in a week, but the cough can linger for another two weeks or more.
Treating Bronchitis
Treat bronchitis similarly to a cold: rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take acetaminophen for pain. Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or hot water, or taking a hot shower, can help loosen phlegm. Over-the-counter cough suppressants can help you manage symptoms during the day and sleep better at night.
Don’t wait until you’re overheated to cool down. Be aware of high temperatures throughout your day and try these 14 tips to stay cool:
.png "15 Tips to Stay Cool in Hot Weather")
- Check the weather: Use a weather app to track hourly temperatures and plan your day around the hottest times.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through sweat. Women need about 11 cups (88 ounces) and men need about 15 cups (120 ounces) per day. If you’re outdoors a lot, you’ll need even more.
- Seek air conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned places during the hottest parts of the day. If you don’t have AC, visit a mall, library, movie theater, or cooling center.
- Use fans wisely: Fans can help cool you down by blowing heat away from your body. If the air is hot, wet your skin with a spray bottle or wet wipe to promote evaporative cooling.
- Take breaks: Pace yourself during outdoor activities. Physical work generates heat, so be active for short periods and rest in between.
.jpg)
Q: I’m 55, and a friend my age just got the shingles vaccine and urged me to do the same. But I’ve heard the shots can cause severe arm pain for days. Is it really worth it?
A: Yes, it usually is. The shingles vaccine, given in two doses over several months, helps prevent a much bigger problem than a sore arm or other side effects like fatigue, fever, and achiness.
The vaccine called Shingrix is very effective against shingles, which is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that stays dormant in your nerves. Shingles can cause a very painful skin rash and may lead to a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, which is severe nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash disappears.
It’s smarter to prevent these issues rather than avoid the shingles vaccine because of temporary side effects. Shingrix is FDA-approved for adults 50 and older. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and get her advice.