In recent days, São Paulo has seen an increase in cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. So far, the state has recorded 315 cases of the disease in 2024 – higher than the 88 cases reported last year, but well below the 4129 cases of 2022, the year in which there was an outbreak of the disease.
According to São Paulo’s state health secretary, Eleuses Paiva, the disease scenario is not yet worrying in São Paulo. Even so, as it is a highly transmissible virus, it is important to take precautions and pay attention to the recommendations of the health agencies.
Next, learn about the main symptoms of mpox, how to prevent it and what to do in case of symptoms.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a disease transmitted by the MPXV virus (monkeypox virus), which belongs to the same family as the varicella virus. Initially the disease was called “monkeypox” because it was discovered in a primate colony in 1958. However, it was soon discovered that it also affected humans and other animals, such as dogs, rats and squirrels, which led the scientific community to change its name to mpox.
Transmission of the virus to humans can occur in two ways: via animals or other humans. For example, receiving a bite or scratch from contaminated animals; having contact with blood, saliva or wounds of sick people, and even having contact with contaminated surfaces.
The first symptoms are fever, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and muscle aches. Up to three days after the fever, however, rashes appear on the skin, the “little balls on the skin” that are characteristic of the disease.
What to do if there are symptoms?
The first thing to do if you feel any of the symptoms described above is to seek medical attention. There are currently tests that can detect the presence of the MPXV virus, including PCR.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no specific treatment for mpox. Most symptoms disappear on their own, however, it is always important to seek advice from health professionals. They can prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms and even prevent long-term sequelae.
Finally, you shouldn’t touch or pop the blisters, as this can increase the chances of infection.
How to protect yourself from mpox?
Since the disease is transmitted by a virus, the first step to protecting yourself is to avoid contact with people suspected of having mpox. If you do come into contact, wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or alcohol if you can’t wash them.
There are currently vaccines that prevent the MPXV virus, however, they are in short supply in São Paulo. The Ministry of Health is negotiating the emergency purchase of 25,000 doses of the vaccine, which will be distributed among all the states. From there, they will be applied above all to risk groups, such as immunosuppressed patients.
