Mpox (monkeypox)

What are Mpox (monkeypox), how can you catch it, what are the symptoms and how are they treated?

Mpox: The Virus

Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by animals, presumably rodents, and belongs to the family of orthopox viruses. Currently, two Mpox clades are known:

• Clade I (previously spread in Africa)
   
• Clade II (known variant in Europe and Switzerland)

Transmission from person to person is also possible. Mpox (MPXV) is transmitted through close contact with infected humans or animals. For more information on transmission, see Transmission of the Disease.

Currently, only one imported case of Clade I Mpox from Africa has been reported in Europe. In light of the increase in Mpox cases of Clade I in several African states, the WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) for Mpox.

According to the current state of knowledge, no danger is assumed for the general population.

For travellers to Africa, the risk of infection remains low if precautions (see Prevention) are taken.