Apekopper (Mpox / Monkeypox): What You Need to Know -

Have You Heard About Mpox?

You might have seen headlines about Mpox recently and wondered, “What is it, and should I be worried?” Don’t stress .most people hadn’t heard of it until the 2022 outbreaks. In this guide, I’ll explain everything in simple terms so you can understand what Mpox is, how it spreads, and what you can do to stay safe.

What Exactly Is Apekopper?

Monkeypox, also known as Apekopper or Mpox, is a viral disease that can be passed from animals to people. It is in the same family of viruses as smallpox (Orthopoxvirus), but the good news is that it is usually much milder.

Professor Olav Dalgard from the University of Oslo says that the most important thing to do when dealing with Mpox is to be aware of it. He says that knowing about the virus, its symptoms, and how it spreads helps people stay calm and take the right steps. The first step to staying safe is to stay up to date.

Professor Jörn Klein from the University of South-Eastern Norway talks about how important it is to stay calm during Mpox outbreaks. He says that panic can cause people to spread false information and make them scared for no reason. The best ways to protect yourself and others are to stay calm and do things like wash your hands and follow Apekopper medical advice.

Where Did It Come From?

Mpox was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, which is how it got the nickname Apekopper “monkeypox.” The first human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970.

Here’s a quick timeline to make it easier to follow:

1958: Virus found in monkeys
1970: First human case in Congo
2003: U.S. outbreak, 37 people infected
2018: First European cases reported
2022: Outbreaks in multiple continents
2023: Large outbreak in Congo

According to Professor Dalgard, one reason Mpox started appearing in Europe is that smallpox vaccination stopped after 1980, leaving younger generations without immunity.

How Does Mpox Spread?

Animal-to-Human

Bites or scratches from infected animals
Contact with blood or body fluids
Eating undercooked bushmeat

Human-to-Human

Close contact with someone who is infected
Touching skin lesions or blisters
Breathing in respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact
Using contaminated items like clothing or bedding

The good news? Mpox is not highly contagious like COVID-19. Experts estimate only about 10% chance of infection from close contact.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mpox usually shows up in two stages:

Early Stage (First Few Days)

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes (a key difference from smallpox)

Rash Stage

After a few days, a rash appears:

Red spots on the skin
Raised bumps
Blisters filled with fluid
Pustules with pus
Crusts that eventually fall off

This process usually lasts 2–4 weeks. Most people recover fully, but those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Doctors often identify Mpox by looking at symptoms and rash. Labs can confirm it using a PCR test from blister fluid.

Treatment Options

Most people recover naturally. Here’s what can help:

Symptom Relief

Pain or fever relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen
Keep skin clean and dry
Drink plenty of fluids
Cover lesions to prevent spreading

Antiviral Treatment

Tecovirimat may be prescribed for severe cases
Vaccination within 4 days of exposure can prevent or reduce illness

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s a tip: prevention is simple if you’re careful.

Avoid close contact with sick people or animals
Wash your hands regularly
Don’t eat undercooked bushmeat
Avoid sharing clothing or bedding with someone sick
See a doctor if you notice fever or rash

Experts like Professors Dalgard and Klein emphasize that awareness and calm action are far more effective than panic.

Vaccine Information

The smallpox vaccine gives about 85% protection against Mpox
Modern vaccines like MVA-BN / Imvanex / Jynneos are safer and effective
Recommended for:
- Healthcare workers
- Close contacts of confirmed cases
- People with weakened immunity

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of Mpox, remember: it’s rare and usually mild, but staying informed is key. Good hygiene, avoiding risky contact, and vaccination if recommended will help keep you safe.