Busting the Myths on Mpox

Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant – Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore*

Myth #1: Swimming pools are a potential source of mpox transmission.

Fact: You cannot get mpox just by going to a swimming pool. Close contact with an infected person’s lesions or contaminated objects can lead to mpox transmission. Using contaminated towels or pool equipment can put you at risk of mpox. Using contaminated towels or pool equipment can put one at risk of mpox Items such as bedding, clothing, and other objects may also be contaminated with the virus if someone with mpox uses them.

Myth #2: Mpox can spread in large gatherings

Fact: Yes, while Mpox can spread in larger gatherings, the risk varies depending on factors like ventilation, crowding, and the nature of interactions. Closed spaces and prolonged skin-to-skin contact can significantly increase the risk of transmission.

Myth #3: Mpox is Life-threatening.

Fact: While Mpox can cause serious illness in some cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, most infections are mild and self-limiting. The death rate from mpox is relatively low. Although most mpox infections are relatively mild, they can cause significant discomfort in some cases. Therefore, it’s recommended to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus.

Myth #4: Mpox is a sexually transmitted disease.

Fact: Kissing, touching, or sexual activity with an infected person can transmit mpox. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have sex with many or new partners are more likely to contract mpox. Contact with an infected person’s lesions or bodily fluids can transmit mpox. This can occur during sexual activity but also in other settings like households or when individuals are in close physical proximity.

Myth #5: Only gay and bisexual men can get mpox.

Fact: Mpox is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. It can affect anyone who doesn’t have immunity. It’s essential to dispel the myth that this virus only affects certain groups. Mpox awareness and prevention are crucial for everyone. The virus is indiscriminate and affects people of all backgrounds irrespective of one’s sexual orientation or gender.

Myth #6: The mpox vaccine is new.

Fact: No the vaccine being recommended to prevent the spread of mpox right now is not new. Mpox vaccines are recommended for individuals.

Myth #7: It’s highly contagious.

Fact: Mpox is not as contagious as COVID-19 and primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person’s lesions, respiratory droplets, or contaminated items. The risk of a major outbreak is less probable.

Myth #8: It’s caused by monkeys.

Fact: Not exclusive to monkeys

The virus can be spread by animals, including rodents and primates. Understanding this helps prevent stigmatization and ensures people take appropriate precautions, regardless of the animals they encounter. The name ‘monkeypox’ suggests a connection to monkeys, it’s actually more closely related to the smallpox virus. Despite its initial discovery in monkeys, humans are also susceptible.

Myth #9: It’s the same as smallpox.

Fact: Both mpox and smallpox are caused by viruses in the Orthopoxvirus genus, a family of related viruses. They exhibit similar symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and a rash with fluid-filled lesions.

However, mpox is generally less severe than smallpox. While both can cause a rash, mpox lesions tend to be smaller and less numerous. Additionally, mpox is less contagious than smallpox was, making it less likely to spread widely.

Smallpox had a high fatality rate, especially in unvaccinated individuals. Mpox, on the other hand, has a much lower fatality rate. While it can be serious, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, most cases of mpox are mild and self-limiting.