New Mpox variant moves into Europe, making testing essential

A case of a new Mpox variant was recently confirmed in Sweden, linked to the growing outbreak in Africa.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the new Mpox variant has killed around 450 people in recent months.

The new variant is thought to be very contagious and causes more serious diseases.

While the variant hasn’t yet been reported in the UK, experts warn that it can spread unless international action is taken.

Don’t leave your health to chance. Get tested for Mpox with Better2Know.

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What is Mpox?

Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue. While most infected people recover successfully, some will get very ill.

The infection is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Poxviridae virus family, which includes cowpox, variola, vaccina, and other viruses.

As of August 2024, a variant of the virus, known as “clade 1b”, has been detected inside and outside the DRC. Clade 1b emerged in the DRC in 2023.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

It can be difficult to know if you have Mpox because many of the symptoms are similar to those of other infections.

Mpox can cause symptoms 1-21 days after the initial infection. The symptoms typically last 2-4 weeks, but they may last longer in those with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms include:

Rash
Sore throat
Fever
Muscles aches
Headaches
Back pain
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling in the rectum
Pain or difficulty peeing
Pain when swallowing

These symptoms may appear in any order. Some people may get many symptoms, while others may only get a few. Rash, fever, and sore throat are the most common symptoms.

The rash caused by Mpox can be distinctive. It tends to begin on the face and spread to the rest of the body, often as far as the hands and feet. However, it can also begin on other parts of the body where initial contact is made, such as the hands and the genitals.

The rash takes the form of a flat sore that turns into a blister. The blister fills with liquid and is often itchy and painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry and crust over until the scabs fall off.

Some people may only experience one or two lesions. Other people may experience hundreds.

People tend to not be infectious once all sores and lesions have healed.

Some people with Mpox can become very sick. The skin can become infected with bacteria, leading to serious skin damage and abscesses. Other complications can include:

Pneumonia
Loss of vision
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Sepsis
Encephalitis
Myocarditis

How contagious is Mpox?

Mpox is very contagious and can be transmitted in a variety of ways.

It most commonly passes between people through:

Skin-to-skin contact
Mouth-to-mouth, or mouth to skin, contact
Close proximity to an infected person and breathing aerosolised particles
Contaminated objects, such as used clothing or bed linens
Needle-stick injuries
Animal-to-human contact, such as through bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, or handling carcasses

Can Mpox be sexually transmitted?

Yes. Since Mpox is generally passed on through close contact with an infected person, having sex makes infection more likely. The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, labia, and anus of an infected person.

People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of acquiring Mpox.