Mpox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) 

The symptoms of Mpox include a rash with blisters (on the face, hands, feet, body and genitals), fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle and back aches and low energy. 

In order to protect yourself, OHSE recommends the following: 

• Avoid close contact with anyone who has symptoms, especially skin-to-skin contact.
• Regularly wash your hands and personal items (eg bedding, clothes, towels).
• Keep surfaces clean.
• Wear a mask if you cannot avoid close contact.

Mpox long-term risk assessment (as of August 2024) per the World Health Organisation (WHO): 

• Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries, affecting mostly adults and spreading predominantly through sexual contact - HIGH risk.
• Areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where mpox is endemic, affecting mostly children and spreading through multiple modes of transmission - HIGH risk.
• Nigeria and countries of West, Central and East Africa where mpox is endemic, affecting children and adults and spreading through multiple modes of transmission - MODERATE risk.
• All countries in Africa and around the world, where outbreaks affect mainly men who have sex with men and spread predominantly through sexual contact - MODERATE risk.