The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations for the clinical management and infection prevention control (IPC) of the MPOX virus, formerly known as monkeypox. These guidelines are designed for patients receiving care in various settings, including communities, homes, and healthcare facilities.

The updated guidance addresses the evolving nature of MPOX, particularly following the 2022 global outbreak and subsequent outbreaks linked to new Clades IB, primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring African countries.

Clinical Management Recommendations

The WHO emphasizes that the following clinical recommendations apply to all individuals with MPOX, irrespective of their care setting:

• Breastfeeding: MFOX monkey mothers continue to breastfeed while reducing direct contact with their infected children.
• Post-Recovery Breastfeeding: Mothers who recover from the infection of monkeys who refrain from breastfeeding and direct contact with the child, by resuming breastfeeding and direct contact with the child as soon as the injuries heal.
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV-Positive individuals: A rapid start of anti -anti -virus treatment (ART) for people with MPOX infection and HIV who have not received anti -antiviral treatment before or have been exposed to long -term interruption of anti -virus.

infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Recommendations

The WHO provides specific guidance for both healthcare settings and home care:

Healthcare Settings

The organization advises that healthcare workers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) based on risk assessment:

• Gloves
• Medical gowns
• Medical masks
• Eye protection

Industrial respirators should be used when performing atmosphere generation processes and should be taken into account if the room is poorly ventilated.

Home Care

For individuals with mild symptoms being cared for at home, the WHO recommends:

• Covering lesions.
• Wearing a medical mask when in close proximity to others until all lesions are healed.

The WHO notes that isolation is not required for those with mild symptoms who can adhere to these measures. However, for those who cannot:

People with MPOX monkeys who cannot adhere to covering their injuries or wearing a medical mask at home.

managing MPOX Cases

The WHO emphasizes the importance of appropriate care based on the severity of the infection:

• Severe Cases: If a person with monkeys infection suffers from an acute infection or is at risk of complications, his condition must be managed in a health facility and receive supportive care.
• Mild Cases: Light and uncomplicated cases of the monkeys virus should only be managed through home care.

Target Audience for the Guidelines

The guidelines are intended for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Public health specialists
• Health emergency responders
• Doctors
• Health facility managers
• Health and care workers
• infection prevention and control specialists

The guidance is relevant across various healthcare settings, including:

• Genital health services
• Maternity services
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Acute care facilities

Background on MPOX

The WHO initially published temporary guidelines on MPOX in 2022. As then, the virus has continued to evolve, leading to changes in the disease outbreak patterns. Before 2022, MPOX was primarily reported in Central and Western Africa. However, in 2022, a global outbreak of the new dynasty of the Clade IIB Monkey Virus was announced, affecting numerous countries.

Following this, outbreaks linked to the new Clades and IB primarily affected the Democratic republic of the Congo and neighboring African countries.

The increase in MPOX cases in Africa and the discovery of the new Clade IB outside the continent prompted the Director-General of the WHO to declare a state of public health emergency of international importance in August 2024, highlighting the threat of the epidemic and the large-scale transmission of MPXV.