Mpox- Overview
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
Transmission
Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has Mpox, including members of a household. Close contact includes skin-to-skin (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing). It can also include being face-to-face with someone who has Mpox (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles).
Symptoms
The below listed symptoms of Mpox can appear as early as 2 days or as late as 21 days after exposure:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Hygiene and Prevention Measures
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with someone showing signs of Mpox, such as rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes
- avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently;
- Follow health advisories and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on prevention and management, as well as guidelines by the Ministry of Education for Students.
NB: Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact the UNHCR health partner if they live in the camps or visit the nearest health facility if they live in urban areas.
For urban refugees in Kigali in need of medical assistance but not yet enrolled in CBHI (Community-Based Health Insurance), please call the protection number 0788383608 to receive assistance.