Mpox
In short
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads through close contact between people or animals. It is characterised by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive skin rash that turns into blisters.
In plain words
A virus makes you feel ill with a fever and a bumpy rash. These bumps turn into blisters and then scab over. Most people get better on their own within a few weeks.
A simple example
A person touches the skin sores of someone who is sick and later develops similar blisters on their own body.
Why it matters
It is important to recognise the symptoms to prevent the virus from spreading through communities. Knowing how it transmits helps people take the right precautions to stay safe.
Easy to mix up
It is often confused with chickenpox, though the rash and lymph node swelling are different.