It is a viral infection that affects animals and, occasionally, can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by the mpox virus, originated in the tropical areas of the central and occidentla African jungle.
The transmission between humans is produced by direct contact with skin lesions, saliva, respiratory drops in close face to face contacts, contaminated materials such as bed linen.
Initially, the symptoms are fever, intense general discomfort, headache and lumbar pain. During its second stage, vesicles or blister-like lesions appear on the skin. Contrary to the common known smallpox virus, they don't turn into pustules and crusts, they maintain their blister-like state. The lesions usually start on the mouth and mucous membrane, extending towards the torso and limbs. The eruption appears alongside a disseminated inflammation of the lymph nodes.
The diagnosis is clinic and done through questioning and the physical exploration of the lesions. It is confirmed by doing a culture of the lesion, in laboratory testing (polymer chain reaction or immunohistochemical staining) or through an electronic microscope.
Currently, there is no specific treatment so for now, it is based on a correct hydration and analgesy for its symptom control. Eventhough its efficacy is not confirmed, antivirals such as Tecoviramat, Cidofivir and Brincidovir can be useful. They mpox vaccine is considered to be effective for its prevention.
