Types

The names of the mpox types have been changed to avoid offending any cultural or ethnic groups and to reduce the negative impact on trade and tourism in African regions where the virus was first identified in 1958:

clade I (formerly known as the Congo Basin clade): causes more severe symptoms
clade II (formerly known as the West African clade): generally causes a milder form of the disease. Clade II is further divided into IIa and IIb

Diagnosis

Mpox is primarily diagnosed through laboratory tests, with the PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) being the most commonly used. It is performed using samples collected from skin lesions, such as fluid from blisters or dried scabs.

There are similarities between mpox, smallpox, chickenpox and herpes, which can make differentiation difficult. Therefore, it is important to rely on the diagnosis of an infectious disease specialist who can accurately identify the illness and recommend appropriate treatment.

In suspected cases, it is essential to avoid close contact with others until symptoms disappear. Immediate isolation is recommended, and personal items such as towels and bed linens should not be shared.

Treatment

In most cases, the infection does not require hospitalization, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening. Key treatment measures include:

use of pain relievers
adequate hydration, averaging about two liters of water per day
proper wound care to prevent secondary infections. The use of antiseptic or antibiotic ointments should only be done under medical guidance when bacterial infections are present

Currently, there are no medications specifically approved for mpox. It is important to remember that any medication should be used under medical supervision.

Prevention

The main way to prevent mpox is to avoid direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. Key preventive measures include:

isolating infected individuals until full recovery
using masks, gloves, and eye protection when caring for sick individuals
frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces and clothing

References

Ministry of Health (Brazil)
Fiocruz
MSD Manuals
Pan American Health Organization