People with multiple sexual partners at higher risk of mpox – WHO warns

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that people with multiple sexual partners face a higher risk of contracting mpox.

“Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household, but people with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of acquiring mpox.

“Close contact includes skin-to-skin (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing), and it can also include being face-to-face with someone who has mpox, such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles,” WHO says.

According to Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walters Kamaya, the country has intensified surveillance efforts following the tracing of 44 possible contacts in the Erongo region.

Although only one mpox case has been confirmed so far, health authorities are closely monitoring these contacts to prevent further spread.

Kamaya says surveillance teams are conducting daily check-ins with those identified as contacts as part of a precautionary public health response.

“As a ministry, we are maintaining heightened vigilance while ensuring that all identified contacts are monitored for any symptoms of mpox,” he says.

As Namibia strengthens its preparedness, health experts are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant and to understand what mpox is, how it spreads and how to stay protected.

WHAT IS MPOX?

According to WHO, mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.

There are two main genetic groups, known as clade I (common in central Africa) and clade II (mainly responsible for the global outbreak reported between 2022 and 2023).

A new rise in cases across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has raised concern among regional health authorities, including Namibia’s health ministry.

HOW IT SPREADS

Mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. This can include skin-to-skin contact, touching sores or rashes, or even face-to-face exposure through droplets from coughing or talking.

The virus can also spread through contaminated objects like clothing, bedding or towels used by an infected person.

In rare cases, mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches or handling infected wild animals.

During pregnancy, a mother can pass the virus to her unborn child, and infection can also occur during or after childbirth.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms include fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches and a rash that can last between two and four weeks. The rash often appears on the face, hands, feet, genitals and mouth, starting as flat sores that later develop into fluid-filled blisters.

While most people recover without treatment, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and children are at higher risk of complications.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox, but supportive care such as managing fever, pain and hydration helps patients recover. Doctors may also treat secondary infections that occur due to the sores or weakened immunity.

PREVENTION AND VACCINATION

WHO says there are safe and effective vaccines that can help prevent mpox. These are recommended for healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases and people in high-risk groups such as those with multiple sexual partners.

Post-exposure vaccination is also effective if given within four days of contact with an infected person.

Health experts further recommend maintaining good hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with people showing rashes or unexplained lesions and using condoms during sexual contact for several weeks after recovery.

People who suspect they have mpox should isolate immediately, avoid scratching sores and cover lesions when around others to prevent transmission.

MPOX IN CONTEXT

Mpox was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the DRC. Since then, outbreaks have been reported across central and west Africa.

In 2022, the disease spread globally affecting more than 120 countries and prompting WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern. By mid-2024, over 100 000 laboratory-confirmed cases and more than 220 deaths had been recorded worldwide.

The ongoing spread of new clades in Africa, particularly in the DRC, has renewed concern about the potential for cross-border transmission, especially in neighbouring countries.

REDUCING STIGMA

WHO warns that stigma and misinformation surrounding mpox can hinder control efforts. The virus can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

“Stigma can prevent people from seeking care early. Community awareness, compassion and timely reporting are critical to stopping the spread,” WHO says.

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