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Mpox (Monkeypox Virus) Infection

A contagious viral illness from the Orthopoxvirus family.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Mpox (Monkeypox Virus) Infection?

Mpox is a zoonotic infection caused by the monkeypox virus of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two genetic clades are described: Clade I (Congo Basin) and Clade II (West African). The 2022-2023 global outbreak originates from Clade IIb.

Transmission occurs via close contact (skin-to-skin, mucosal contact, respiratory droplets), contaminated materials, and vertical transmission. The incubation period is 5-21 days. Infectivity persists until lesions crust and fall off.

The illness usually self-limits (2-4 weeks), but can be severe in immunocompromised individuals (especially advanced HIV). Clade I is associated with higher mortality (1-10%).

Symptoms

Fever, headache, myalgia (prodromal phase)
Prominent lymphadenopathy (a feature distinguishing it from smallpox)
Vesiculopustular rash (macule → papule → vesicle → pustule → crust)
Genital/perianal lesions (predominant in the 2022 outbreak)
Proctalgia (rectal pain) and odynophagia (painful swallowing)

Risk Factors

Close physical/sexual contact with an infected person
HIV infection (especially CD4 <200 — risk of severe disease)
Immunosuppression
Travel to endemic regions (Central and West Africa)
Unvaccinated individuals (smallpox vaccination provides cross-protection)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If a vesiculopustular rash compatible with mpox develops → isolation + diagnostic testing
  • Contact history + fever + lymphadenopathy
  • Painful genital/perianal lesions develop
  • Suspected mpox in an immunocompromised person → URGENT evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care (pain control, wound care, hydration — sufficient in mild cases)
02
Tecovirimat (TPOXX — antiviral for severe/complicated cases or immunocompromised hosts)
03
Isolation (until lesions fully crust and detach)
04
MVA-BN vaccine (JYNNEOS — pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis)
05
Cidofovir/brincidofovir (alternative antivirals — limited data)
06
ART optimization in HIV-positive patients

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.