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Mpox
Mpox is a viral infection. For most people the virus is not dangerous, but it is contagious, and the effects can be very painful.
Mpox spreads most easily through intensive, intimate skin-to-skin contact such as kissing, cuddling and sex. The main symptom is the rash. It starts with red spots and turns into blisters. These can be very painful. After the blisters have dried in, scabs remain. After 2 to 3 weeks they fall off the skin. In some cases it can be possible that scars will remain.
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) offers tests to those with symptoms, gives advice and vaccinates.
This is what you can do
- On SoaAIDS.nl you can find answers to questions about monkeypox.
- On mantotman.nl you can read how to reduce the risk of contracting monkeypox.
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Have you been somewhere where someone had the virus? In the weeks that follow, keep a close watch on any symptoms you may develop, and if you do develop symptoms, or even suspect you might have developed symptoms, inform your family doctor immediately.
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If you develop blisters, call your family doctor straight away – especially if these blisters first appeared in your face or genital region.
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If you have mpox, then stay at home alone until you have completely recovered. This will prevent you from spreading the virus to others. If you have any of the symptoms, you are still contagious and can pass the virus on.
Usually not dangerous
This is the first time an mpox virus circulates in Europe, and not everything about it is yet known. The virus can be deadly for people with a very weak immune system, but this is hardly ever the case in Europe. You can be very ill for a while, but you will recover without treatment within a couple of weeks. And there are medicines that help.