Mpox cases continue to be reported globally, including in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region where there is ongoing community mpox transmission in several countries and areas. Increased travel and gatherings in the coming months may lead to a further rise in cases, particularly among people at increased risk.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection spread through close physical contact such as skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-skin or face-to-face contact, or by sharing items − such as clothing, bedding, objects or surfaces − with someone who is infected. Symptoms often include a rash followed by fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms typically begin within a week of exposure but can appear up to 21 days later and may last two to four weeks or longer.
If you have recently been diagnosed with mpox, or suspect you have mpox, contact a health-care professional for guidance on testing and treatment. Based on your condition and risk factors, they will advise you on whether you need hospital care or can recover at home. If recovering at home, follow these five steps for a safe and effective recovery:
1. Stay at home
To prevent spreading mpox and to protect others from becoming infected, isolate yourself at home, ideally in a separate room. Monitor your symptoms closely and watch for serious conditions such as skin or eye problems, or fever. Avoid sharing spaces or items such as utensils, towels or electronics with other people. If you must share spaces, ventilate and disinfect commonly touched objects and surfaces frequently.
If you must leave your room, cover your lesions with clean clothing or dressings, wear a well-fitting mask, wash your hands thoroughly before and after, and maintain physical distance (at least 1 metre) from others. Avoid sexual activity and any close and physical contact until you have been cleared as being non-infectious by a health-care provider.
2. Treat symptoms by following health-care guidance
Most people experience mild symptoms with mpox, although the rash may cause discomfort. Keep the skin dry and uncovered, avoid popping blisters or scratching sores, and wash your hands before and after touching affected areas. Saltwater rinses may help with mouth sores, and baking soda or Epsom salts may soothe body sores.
For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. Antibiotics are generally not needed unless the rash shows signs of being infected, such as redness, pus, or if you have fever or increased pain. Consult your health-care provider if you suspect the rash may have become infected. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals and getting adequate rest are essential for recovery.
3. Practise good hygiene.
Good hygiene is critical to protect others. Avoid close and physical contact, but if contact is necessary, wear a medical mask and cover lesions. Wash your hands regularly, particularly before and after touching the infected area or shared items. If using shared toilets, clean them with soapy water and disinfect with a bleach-based solution, allowing the solution to soak for at least one minute before wiping off. If bleach-based solutions are unavailable, alcohol-based disinfectants can be considered as an alternative. Used or dirty towels and clothing should be washed separately from other people’s laundry in hot water with soap for at least 20 minutes. Place these in a plastic bag before bringing them to the washing machine.
Also, avoid contact with animals to prevent the virus from spreading further.
4. Take care of your mental health
Being isolated can be challenging, so prioritize activities you enjoy, such as light exercise at home (as long as you feel well enough and stay in your own room), reading and connecting with loved ones via technology, if available. If you experience stress, anxiety or loneliness, reach out to a health-care provider, such as a counselor or a therapist, for support.
5. Support contact tracing
Experiencing stigma and discrimination can have negative consequences on your health. Engage in open, non-judgmental conversations with close contacts − especially sexual partners − about symptoms or exposure. If someone suspects they might have mpox, encourage them to go to their nearest health facility. Sharing accurate information from trusted sources helps protect everyone.