So, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Mpox (formerly called Monkeypox)—but what’s the REAL tea? Is it the return of ancient plagues or just another hype? Well, grab your favorite healthy drink from Wisdom’s Healthy Sips and let’s decode this virus in a way that’s fun, fresh, and informative!
What is MPOX?
Mpox is a rare viral infection that looks a bit like smallpox (yes, the one from the history books!) but way less severe. It’s caused by the Mpox virus, and despite the name, you don’t get it from monkeys eating bananas in your backyard. As at Sunday, June 16, 2025, 7 new confirmed cases of Mpox were recorded by the Ghana Health Service; making a total number of 98 confirmed cases in the country.
How does it spread?
- Close contact with someone who has the rash, blisters, or body fluids
- Touching contaminated items like clothing or bed sheets
- Animal-to-human transmission (rare, but it happens)
- Prolonged face-to-face contact through respiratory droplets
It’s NOT as contagious as COVID-19, but it still needs caution!
How do I know I have Mpox?
The symptoms show up 5–21 days after exposure and can last 2–4 weeks. Here’s what to watch for:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin)
- Rashes that turn into blisters (usually start on face, then spread)
The rash is the star of the show—it moves from red spots → blisters → crusts → heals. It often begins with the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hand and sole of the feet. It can also start from other parts where contact was made such as genitals.
MPOX MYTHS vs FACTS
1. Myth: Only gay people or people in the LGBTQ+ community get Mpox.
Fact: Mpox can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or sexual orientation. It spreads through close contact with an infected person.
2. Myth: Mpox is only spread by monkeys or from eating bushmeat.
Fact: While it was first discovered in monkeys, Mpox is mainly spread from human to human through close physical contact or contaminated materials.
3. Myth: If I touch someone with Mpox once, you’re doomed.
Fact: Mpox is not spread through quick or casual contact. Risk increases with prolonged or close skin-to-skin contact, sharing personal items, or respiratory droplets during extended face-to-face interaction; and not casual hi-fives.
4. Myth: Mpox is the same as chickenpox.
Fact: Mpox is caused by a different virus and often comes with swollen lymph nodes, which chickenpox does not usually cause. The rash also develops differently and is often more painful.
5. Myth: Mpox is deadly.
Fact: It’s rarely fatal—most people recover fully.
6. Myth: If someone has Mpox, they should be completely avoided or isolated forever.
Fact People with Mpox need support, not stigma. Once they recover and their rashes heal, they are no longer infectious.
7. Myth: Using mosquito spray or herbs can prevent Mpox.
Fact: There is no evidence that mosquito sprays or herbal remedies prevent Mpox. Prevention is based on hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
PREVENTION: YOUR PERSONAL SHIELD
1. Avoid close contact with anyone showing rash symptoms.
2. Wash your hands often (hand sanitizer helps too).
3. Avoid sharing clothes, towels, or beddings with infected persons.
4. Mask up if you’re in close settings with suspected cases or when going to crowded areas.
5. Report and seek care early if you feel sick or spot suspicious rashes.
ACTION PLAN
“Faith Without Works Is Dead” – James 2:17
We are not just hearers but doers. Here’s how to act:
- Stay informed – Don’t spread panic. Share facts, not fear.
- Create awareness – Use your platforms (WhatsApp, TikTok, IG) to spread the gospel of truth and prevention.
- Report early – Encourage friends to visit the clinic if they see any signs.
- Support, don’t stigmatize – Love and empathy are our kingdom weapons.
- Organize health talks – In church or schools, invite health professionals.
GODLY WISDOM, HEALTHY CHOICES
We must be guided by wisdom, love, and truth. Mpox is real—but manageable. Let’s protect ourselves and others while standing as beacons of light in our communities.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2
Wash. Educate. Love. Pray. Together, let’s kick Mpox out of our midst—not with fear, but with faith and facts.
References
- Grant R, Nguyen LL, Breban R. Modelling human-to-human transmission of monkeypox. Bull World Health Organ. 2020 Sep 01;98(9):638-640.
- McCollum AM, Damon IK. Human monkeypox. Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Jan;58(2):260-7.
- Orviz E, Negredo A, Ayerdi O, Vázquez A, Muñoz-Gomez A, Monzón S, Clavo P, Zaballos A, Vera M, Sánchez P, Cabello N, Jiménez P, Pérez-García JA, Varona S, Del Romero J, Cuesta I, Delgado-Iribarren A, Torres M, Sagastagoitia I, Palacios G, Estrada V, Sánchez-Seco MP., Grupo Viruela del Simio Madrid CNM/ISCIII/HCSC/Sandoval. Monkeypox outbreak in Madrid (Spain): Clinical and virological aspects. J Infect. 2022 Oct;85(4):412-417.