What is Mpox?

Mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) is a virus which has been around since the 1980s. It is similar to smallpox and although it was usually associated with central and western Africa, it has been spreading in Europe and USA in the last few months. It is serious enough that it needs to be given a lot of attention, and in fact the World Health Organisation has now called mpox a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Mpox is not pleasant and sometimes it can be serious. We need to know how to recognise the symptoms to get the help we need as quickly as possible. The initial symptoms are:
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands)
• Muscle aches
• Low energy
• Back pain

But that is not all. A rash will likely develop within 1 to 3 days of the start of the fever. The rash can be flat or slightly raised, filled with clear or yellowish fluid, and can then crust, dry up and fall off. The number of lesions on one person can range from a few to several thousand. The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. However we are aware of numerous persons whose lesions were concentrated around their genital areas and around and inside the anus. Unfortunately this rash can be very painful and very uncomfortable.

Symptoms typically last between 2 to 4 weeks and go away on their own without treatment. People with mpox are infectious to others from the onset of fever until all lesions scab over and fall off.

How does Mpox spread?

People with mpox are infectious while they have symptoms (normally for between two and four weeks).

The rash, bodily fluids (such as fluid, pus, or blood from skin lesions) and scabs are particularly infectious. Ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth can also be infectious, meaning the virus can spread through saliva. The virus can also spread through large respiratory droplets.

Therefore, one become infected through:

  • Contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding or towels) or objects like eating utensils/dishes used by an infected person

  • Direct contact with mpox skin lesions or scabs

  • Coughing or sneezing of an individual with a mpox rash

  • Sex with someone who has symptoms of mpox

Statistics show that currently mpox is spreading mostly amongst the community of men who have sex with men (MSM).

If you think you have Mpox

If you think you have mpox, follow this simple advice:

  1. Isolate yourself and do not share household items with other members of the family. In particular, avoid contact with immunocompromised people and other people who are at risk, until the rash heals completely.

  2. Contact your GP or a local Health Centre for proper advice and guidance on on +356 2123 1231 or +356 2122 2444. You may also call the Genitourinary (GU) Clinic on +356 2545 7494. Let them know that you think you may have mpox to avoid risking spreading it. Try to avoid public transportation when visiting the clinic.

  3. Use basic hygiene such as washing, and sanitising hands to minimise spread. Wear a face mask when in contact with people.

  4. Abstain from sexual activity until the rash heals completely.

You can also protect your partner and family members by keeping yourself at a distance from your family members or housemates, wear a mask when you need to walk past them, and handle your own laundry.

Mpox and safer sex

The most obvious thing to do is to avoid contact with people who are infected with mpox by limiting close and direct physical contact with people who are unwell, especially if they have suspected or confirmed mpox infection. However we may need to be smarter than that.

Right now the advice is to reduce or avoid behaviours which increase the risk of mpox exposure. There are tips you may consider in order to reduce your risk. These are some of them:

  • Make it a habit to exchange contact information, so you can follow up with each other if needed

  • Talk about mpox symptoms with your partner

  • If you notice a symptom, avoid sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal) and do not touch or kiss each other. Do not share objects with each other, such as towels, fetish gear or sex toys.

  • If you will have sex, limit the number of sex partners to reduce the likelihood of exposure.

Mpox Vaccines

The Maltese health authorities have announced that they have received a vaccine called JYNNEOS which they will be administering in order to prevent mpox and smallpox.

Public Health are currently only administering the vaccine to those who are deemed to be high-risk contacts of confirmed Mpox cases after assessment by the Public Health authorities. Therefore unlike what we are seeing in other European cities, communities who are considered to be at risk are not yet able to get vaccinated. It is also not possible to buy the vaccine in private clinics or pharmacies. We understand that this is due to the limited number of available vaccines, however we are constantly lobbying for more vaccines to become available for those who are at risk and who wish to be vaccinated. As always, we appeal for clear, concise and factual information in order to ensure that the community is always kept up to date.

Individuals who are identified as high-risk contacts and thus considered to be eligible for the Mpox vaccine, will be guided by the Public Health contact tracing team accordingly and an appointment for vaccination will be booked for them by Public Health. The Public Health Authorities invite the public to contact them by calling 111 to ask for more information

Events Toolkit

We have created a poster and a series of images that were adapted from WHO and ECDC Guidelines for events organisers in Malta. We encourage events organisers to print the poster and make these available in bathrooms and other areas where people would typically be waiting. Social media posts can be shared as a post in your life events page. No acknowledgements or references to MGRM/HIV Malta are necessary however you can link www.hivmalta.com/mpox if you wish to direct your guests to more information on mpox.

Last Updated: 18 August 2024 (Update following declaration by WHO)