Causes 
Mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infection that is caused by monkeypox virus and results in a rash similar to that of smallpox. Human-to-human transmission of this virus is possible owing to the respiratory droplets. One can also catch the virus because of the bite of an infected animal, coming in contact with an individual infected with it, or even touching contaminated bedding or clothing. Most patients diagnosed with Mpox reported high-risk sexual behaviour (for example: sex with multiple partners) as a potential risk factor. It is commonly seen in men having sex with men.

Symptoms 
The symptoms include fever, feeling cold, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, muscle and back pain, headache respiratory problems such as sore throat, nasal congestion and cough. The symptoms of the Mpox rash may also be confused with smallpox and chickenpox.

Effects 
While the long-term effects will be seen in the future, the known effects of Monkeypox include painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever in the short term and severe complications like bacterial infection from skin lesions, Mpox affecting the brain (encephalitis), and heart (myocarditis).

Treatment 
Most immunocompetent patients with mpox have mild disease and will recover without medical intervention. Otherwise, antiviral drugs are also used to treat monkeypox. However, some patients may require pain relief medication for pain related to proctitis or tonsillitis. In addition, for conditions like proctitis, stool softeners and sometimes sitz baths may need to be used.

Precautions 
Avoid coming in skin-to-skin contact with people. Especially, do not touch people who are seeing Mpox-like rashes on their hands, face, chest, mouth, etc. Avoid kissing or having sex with people infected with mumps. If you belong to a place where this disease is spreading, avoid touching animals in such places, which carry the mumps virus. 

Additionally, skin lesions should be covered with long sleeves, long pants to minimise risk of contact with mpox lesions. Patients should avoid sharing their used clothes, towels, food, utensils, or face masks with others and should not allow animals to access them. Individuals with mpox should wear a well-fitting facemask when around others, even if respiratory symptoms are not present. Ideally, household members should wear a facemask when in the presence of a person with mpox as well. Household members providing care to patients with mpox should use disposable gloves for direct contact with lesions.