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Mpox
Mpox (monkeypoxvirus, genus orthopoxvirus) is caused by a virus. It is a variant of the virus that causes "common" smallpox. There are two variants: a Central-African or clade I and a West-African or clade II.
The following symptoms appear about 5 to 21 days after infection:
- general malaise
- fever
- muscle pain
- headache
This is followed by skin lesions: (red) spots, pimples, blisters or festering lumps, which then crust before healing. These skin lesions can be spread all over the body.
There are no approved treatments for the moment, but the disease usually heals spontaneously after a few weeks with no residual lesions.
You can get mpox by:
- contact with body fluids, such as wound fluids
- contact with mucous membranes, saliva droplets and sexual contacts
- contaminated surfaces or linen (such as bed sheets or towels)
There is no increased risk for most of the travellers.
Risk areas
Most cases of Mpox have been identified in forested areas in Central and West Africa, namely in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. In 2022 there was a first outbreak in European and other countries with clade II. Since mid 2024 an outbreak with clade I is spreading from big cities such as Kinshasa and Goma in DR Congo to neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Kenia and Uganda.
In case of symptoms
Seek medical advice if you suffer any symptoms.
Additional information
- Mpox - frequently asked questions.
- Info on Mpox for travellers and professionals from FPS Public Health.
- Fact sheet for professionals from ECDC.
