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[Mpox and children - a Swedish perspective]
Tobias Alfvén1, Samuel Arthur Rhedin2, Anna Mia Ekström3
1professor, överläkare, institutionen för global folkhälsa, Karolinska institutet; barn- och ungdomsmedicin, Sachsska barn- och ungdomssjukhuset, Stockholm.
Abstract:
Mpox (monkeypox) is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. Sporadic infections in humans have been known since the 1970s. Since spring 2022 there has been a global epidemic. The large majority of the mpox cases in the ongoing epidemic have been reported in adult men, the number of infected children is small. The typical manifestation of mpox includes a rash that initially presents as maculopapular lesions and then develops into vesicles and eventually crusts. Transmission of the virus primarily occurs through close contact with infected individuals, particularly through contact with unhealed blisters or wounds, as well as through sexual contacts and exposure to body fluids. In cases of documented close contact with an infected individual, post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended and may also be administered to children whose guardians have contracted mpox.
Insights
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral infection related to smallpox. While typically rare, a global epidemic emerged in 2022, predominantly affecting adult men, with post-exposure prophylaxis recommended for close contacts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease within the Poxviridae family.
- Sporadic human infections have been documented since the 1970s.
- A global mpox epidemic began in spring 2022, primarily impacting adult men.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of mpox (monkeypox) epidemiology and transmission.
- To highlight key clinical manifestations and public health recommendations.
Summary:
- Mpox is characterized by a distinctive rash progressing from maculopapular lesions to vesicles and crusts.
- Transmission occurs via close contact with infected individuals, including direct contact with lesions, body fluids, and sexual contact.
- The majority of cases in the current epidemic are among adult men, with fewer reported pediatric cases.
Impact:
- Understanding mpox transmission is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for close contacts, including children with infected guardians.
- This information aids in managing the ongoing global mpox outbreak and preventing further spread.
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