Treatment Options for mpox
While there is no specific medication approved for mpox, the primary goal of treatment is to provide comfort and manage symptoms. Individuals with active mpox infections should practice isolation, wear a surgical mask, and cover lesions until they are fully healed.
Researchers are currently exploring the potential use of certain smallpox drugs as treatment options for mpox. However, it is important to note that these drugs are still under investigation and are only considered for individuals with severe cases of mpox.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mpox/monkeypox infection varies depending on the strain of the virus. In West Africa, the strain has a mortality rate of less than one percent. However, in the Congo Basin, the strain is much more severe, with mortality rates reaching up to 11 percent in children who have not been vaccinated.
Fortunately, the majority of individuals infected with mpox/monkeypox recover within four weeks of symptom onset. However, it is possible for the rash associated with the infection to leave behind scarring and skin discoloration.