With only a handful of pediatric cases in the country and 70+ total cases in the state of Ohio, mpox shouldn’t be of great concern to parents. Yet, parents have questions and understandably so.
Dr. Evelyn Scott Pangonis, medical director of infection control and prevention at Akron Children’s, answers some of the more common questions parents might have.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a virus in the same family as smallpox. While mpox has typically been seen in central and west African countries, an outbreak of the virus is currently circulating in several other countries, including the United States.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms usually begin 1-2 weeks after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Fatigue
Following these initial symptoms, a rash appears on the body. It can be as few as 1-2 lesions, to many lesions all over the body. This rash progresses from flat, red spots, to raised blisters with a central dimple that crust over. The rash usually lasts from 2-4 weeks.
It’s important to note that some patients do not have symptoms before the rash appears.
How is mpox spread?
This is an illness that requires close, prolonged contact with someone with an active disease. According to the CDC, 94% of cases occur in men who have had sex with men, although this infection is not exclusive to the LBGTQ+ community. Infants, toddlers and school age children acquire the infection from a household contact. Someone with mpox remains contagious until their scabs fall off and new skin has formed. Another way the virus can spread is by touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that were in contact with fluid from a lesion. It can also spread from contact with respiratory secretions or transferred through the placenta of a pregnant mom to a fetus.
As a parent, should I be concerned about sending my child to school?
Because of how mpox is spread, contracting the virus at school is unlikely.
How is mpox treated?
Treatment is available for children less than 8 years of age, those with compromised immune systems, children with certain skin disorders, those who have lesions on certain body areas (eyes, mouth, genitalia, or anus) and those with complications from monkeypox. This treatment is only available through the CDC, and your healthcare provider will have to acquire this medication through the CDC.
If someone in my home is suspected or confirmed of having mpox, what should I do?
If you’re concerned about whether or not your child has mpox, contact your pediatrician immediately. Your pediatrician will help differentiate your symptoms from those due to more common rashes (allergic rashes and those caused by other viruses and bacteria). Until mpox has been excluded by history or testing, other precautions recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics include:
- Children with or suspected of having mpox should cover their skin lesions.
- Parents/caregivers should encourage children not to scratch skin lesions or touch their eyes.
- Children with or suspected of having mpox should avoid contact with other people and pets. If possible, one person should be the caregiver of a child with or suspected of having mpox and should avoid skin-to-skin contact with the rash.
- Children who are at least 2 years of age who have or suspected of having mpox should wear a well-fitting mask when interacting with a caregiver, and the caregiver should wear a respirator or well-fitting mask and gloves when skin contact with the child may occur, and when handling bandages or clothing.
If you have additional questions, please contact your pediatrician.