Mpox: A Guide for Men Who Have Sex with Men

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that can affect anyone including men who have sex with men (MSM). Understanding how it is transmitted, how to prevent it, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing what to do if you have symptoms can help keep you and your community safe.

How is Mpox Transmitted?

Mpox spreads through close, personal contact. Here are the primary ways it can be transmitted:

1. Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: This includes touching the rashes, sores, or scabs of someone who has Mpox.
2. Body Fluids: Contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, or pus from sores.
3. Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face contact can spread the virus through respiratory droplets.
4. Contaminated Objects: Sharing personal items like clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with Mpox can spread the virus.

How Can You Prevent Mpox?

Preventing Mpox involves a few practical steps:

1. Limit Close Contact: Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash resembling Mpox.
2. Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Don’t share clothing, towels, or bedding with others, especially if they show symptoms of Mpox.

What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?

Mpox symptoms typically appear within 1-2 weeks of exposure and can last for 2-4 weeks. Common symptoms include:

1. Rash: A distinctive rash that goes through several stages, including blisters and scabs, appearing on the face, inside the mouth, and other parts of the body, including the genital and anal area.
2. Fever: A sudden high temperature.
3. Headache: Persistent headaches can occur.
4. Muscle Aches: Muscle pain and discomfort.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Particularly noticeable in the neck, armpits, and groin.
6. Chills and Exhaustion: Feeling extremely tired and experiencing chills.

What to Do If You Have Symptoms

If you experience symptoms of Mpox, especially an unexplained rash, here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek Medical Advice: Contact or go to your nearest clinic if you notice any symptoms. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and prevent further spread.
2. Isolate Yourself: Stay at home and avoid close contact with others until you’ve seen a healthcare provider and they have guided you.
3. Inform Close Contacts: Let anyone you’ve had close contact with know about your symptoms so they can monitor their health.
4. Maintain Hygiene: Keep the rash covered and avoid touching or scratching it. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly clean any surfaces or items you’ve used.

Myths and Facts About Mpox

Myth 1: People with mpox will be placed in quarantine.
Fact: People with or suspected to have Mpox are not forced into medical quarantine but will be asked to isolate at home. Severe cases, however, may need to be hospitalized.

Myth 2: Only men who have sex with men can get Mpox.
Fact: While recent outbreaks have mainly affected men who have sex with men, anyone can get Mpox. It spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects, meaning all individuals are susceptible regardless of their sexual orientation.

Myth 3: Mpox is deadly.
Fact: Mpox can cause serious illness, but it is rarely fatal. Most people recover fully within 2-4 weeks. However, it can be more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV who are not on HIV treatment.

Myth 4: You get mpox from monkeys.
Fact: Despite its former name (monkeypox), Mpox can be transmitted from a variety of animals to humans, including rodents and other small mammals. Human-to-human transmission is also common, particularly through close contact with infected individuals.

Mpox is a serious but manageable condition. By understanding how it spreads, taking preventive measures, recognizing symptoms early, and seeking appropriate medical care, you can protect yourself and others. Stay informed, stay safe, and support your community by sharing this information. If in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional for the best advice tailored to your situation.

If you are in the Tshwane, Ehlanzeni, Ethekwini, Ekurhuleni, and Umgungundlovu areas and have possible Mpox symptoms, contact Aurum Pop Inn sites for screening and advice. Pop Inn also offers free sexual health services to men who have sex with men and transgender women including counselling, screening for HIV, STIs, and TB, provision of PrEP or ART, and psycho-social support. For contact details for your nearest Pop Inn location, click to https://popinn.org/locations.