The scientific coordinator of the Brazilian Society of Infectology, Alexandre Naime, clarified the main aspects of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in an interview with CNN this Sunday (25). The specialist detailed the initial symptoms, the evolution of the disease and the transmission mechanisms.
According to Naime, the first signs of mpox are nonspecific and can be confused with other viral diseases. ‘In the first few days, first, second day, she has uncharacteristic symptoms, absolutely generic symptoms, like fever, body aches it can even happen throat irritation ‘, explained the doctor.
Characteristic lesions of the disease
The infectologist emphasized that skin lesions are the main characteristic sign of Mpox. ‘Next, skin lesions begin to appear. These lesions resemble small bubbles, which we call vesicles, which end up converging, joining together, forming erosions, eruptions, which we call wounds, and then scabs,’ Naime explained.
The disease can last from 7 to 28 days, according to the specialist. He warned that in immunocompetent individuals, Mpox usually has a benign course. However, in immunosuppressed individuals, especially those with advanced HIV, the virus can spread and cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain infections, which can lead to death.
Transmission methods
Naime emphasized that the main form of transmission of mpox is through direct, skin-to-skin contact. “MPox is a disease that, in the vast majority of cases, is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, for example, mainly during sexual activities,” he said. The doctor also mentioned that close and prolonged physical contact, such as hugs, can facilitate transmission.
Furthermore, the specialist warned of the possibility of transmission through respiratory droplets in closed environments, especially in the first days of symptoms. However, he stressed that this is not the main mechanism of contagion.
Importance of global vaccination
The infectious disease specialist took the opportunity to reflect on the importance of global public health actions. He highlighted that mpox, first described in 1970, could have been better controlled if there had been an international effort to vaccinate the most susceptible populations in Central Africa, where the disease is endemic.
‘If we had looked back, and look, mpox is a disease that was described in 1970, this vaccine that we are discussing has only one international Danish manufacturer, if there had been an effort to vaccinate Africa and the people who are most susceptible had already been protected in that region, we would not be talking about a new outbreak in 2024’, concluded Naime, highlighting the global interconnection in public health issues.
Mpox: how is the disease transmitted and how is it prevented?
This content was originally published in What are the first symptoms of mpox in the body? Infectologist explains on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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