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Mpox

We are closely monitoring mpox virus outbreaks, both in Belgium and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Do you have a question about the spread of the Clade Ib variant in Africa? Read our FAQ.

What is mpox?

Mpox (genus orthopoxvirus) is a disease caused by the mpox virus, which is closely related to the virus that caused the ‘normal’ smallpox. The disease was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958, hence the earlier name ‘monkeypox’. However, it is not certain that monkeys are the main carriers of the virus. According to the latest findings, they would probably be African rodents.

There are two variants (or so-called clades) of the virus:

  • Clade I (or the Central African clade) occurred primarily in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Until recently, infections occurred mainly through animal-to-human transmission, mostly through contact with rodents. In late 2023, however, a subvariant of Clade I, known as Clade Ib, emerged in eastern Congo. Like Clade II, Clade Ib is mainly transmitted from human to human, mainly (but not exclusively) through sexual contact. Clade Ib was able to spread further in Africa. The first case outside Africa was reported on 15 August 2024, in Sweden.

  • Clade II (the West African clade) has been prevalent worldwide since the 2022 epidemic. The disease is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. This variant has led to a large number of cases. Although the epidemic subsided in 2022, new cases are sporadically identified in Europe and Belgium, without leading to major outbreaks.

Make an appointment

Appointments related to mpox can be made through our Medical Secretariat.

Medical Secretariat

☎ +32(0)3 247 66 66
✉ medsec@itg.be

Mpox-microscope-4 Particles of mpox virus seen through an electron microscope (EM). Source: CDC.

Do you have a question about mpox?

We are closely monitoring the spread of Clade Ib. Check out our frequently asked questions for more information.

Read our FAQ

Mpox infection (Clade II)

Risk factors

You are at higher risk of mpox through:

  • direct contact with skin lesions that contain a lot of virus;

  • contact with bodily fluids or mucous membranes of an infected person;

  • spread of saliva droplets;

  • transmission via contaminated surfaces or linen, such as bedding or towels).

Symptoms

The following symptoms appear between 5 to 21 days after infection:

  • General sense of unease and discomfort

  • Fever

  • Muscle aches

  • Headache

These are followed by skin lesions: (red) spots, pimples, blisters or festering lumps, which crust before healing. Skin lesions can occur all over the body.

Treatment

There is no approved treatment for the time being. The disease usually heals spontaneously after a few weeks, with no residual lesions. 

More information