When should you get tested for Mpox? Do’s and don’ts, cost, and more

MpoxMonkeypox (Mpox) virus, a zoonotic viral infection previously confined primarily to central and western Africa, has recently attracted global attention due to its spread to non-endemic regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines to address this emerging threat. For those who don’t know, it is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus, which includes the smallpox virus. Mpox shares several similarities with smallpox, including its clinical presentation, which includes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages. Although less contagious than smallpox, Mpox can still pose significant health risks, particularly to those with compromised immune systems, including young children.

While no cases have been reported in India so far, it is important to understand the testing and detection process.

Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals about the trials at Mpox.

When should you get tested for Mpox?

If you have symptoms associated with monkeypox, such as rashes on areas like the face, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or abdomen, then you should opt for the Mpox test. For now, the Mpox test is highly recommended if someone has persistent rashes that have the potential to develop into pus-filled lesions over time.

What is the testing procedure?

Testing procedures for monkeypox include a physical examination and certain tests. Your doctor may closely examine your rashes, lesions, and symptoms experienced to detect the early onset of monkeypox. He or she may also recommend some laboratory tests such as collecting swabs or samples of the rash for further testing, a biopsy, and fluid samples if the lesions are blistered. Other tests include PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy.

Cost of testing

The cost of these tests may vary from area to area depending on the type of laboratory or hospital you choose.

Do’s and Don’ts Before Getting Tested

Do not undergo these tests without first consulting your doctor. Schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your symptoms in depth and determine whether or not these tests are necessary. Be sure to share all details with your doctor, such as symptoms, recent travel history, or any close contact with someone who has Mpox. This information can help analyze your chances of developing this viral infection. Avoid sharing items such as clothing, toothbrushes, makeup or skin care products, towels, and bedding to minimize the risk of contamination.

Are further tests required if the disease test result is positive?

If you test positive for monkeypox, you may undergo additional testing to ensure your safety. These may include some blood tests to assess your overall health while also actively looking for complications associated with monkeypox. Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, can be helpful in quickly analyzing the current status of your lungs and other organs to improve your health.

Mpox Symptoms

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can significantly affect a person’s overall well-being. These symptoms can appear anywhere from 5 to 21 days after contracting the Mpox virus infection. Because of this, detecting monkeypox in its early stages is nearly impossible. One of the most common symptoms of monkeypox is rashes and lesions that appear on areas such as the mouth, face, chest, genitals, hands, feet, and abdomen. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and loss of appetite.