30/06/2026
WHAT LMTs SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MPOX VIRUS
● MONKEYPOX VIRUS STRUCTURE
▪︎ The monkeypox (mpox) virus is a large, complex, brick-shaped or oval virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus.
▪︎ Its unique and highly organized structure consists of four major components: an outer LIPOPROTEIN ENVELOPE, surface tubules, lateral bodies, and an inner dumbbell-shaped core that holds its genetic material.
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● LIPOPROTEIN ENVELOPE/MEMBRANE
▪︎ Like other orthopoxviruses, the mpox virus is encased in an outer lipoprotein envelope and an outer/inner membrane.
▪︎ These structures consist of a host-derived lipid bilayer studded with virally-encoded transmembrane proteins (making them lipoproteins) and are organized based on the virus's maturation stage.
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● EMULSIFIERS: SOAP, ALCOHOL, & MONOLAURIN
▪︎ Lipoproteins can be physically dissolved or disrupted by EMULSIFIERS like soap and alcohol, but monolaurin from virgin coconut oil (VCO) acts differently, disrupting lipid membranes rather than breaking down lipoproteins.
▪︎ This means that washing with soap or alcohol and/or nasal spraying, gargling, and ingesting VCO can disable the virus by dissolving its lipoprotein envelope or membrane.
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● GLOBAL SPREAD
▪︎ Mpox spreads through DIRECT CONTACT -- close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, as well as through contact with contaminated materials or infected animals.
▪︎ A person is contagious from the moment symptoms start until all lesions have completely healed and new skin has formed.
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▪︎ The global spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) has disproportionately affected men who have s*x with men (MSM), particularly during the multi-country outbreaks that began in 2022.
▪︎ Anyone who has close physical contact with an infected person can contract it, regardless of their gender or s*xual identity.
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● MODES OF TRANSMISSION
The virus is transmitted through the following primary methods:
1. Person-to-Person Contact
▪︎ Direct Physical Contact: Touching the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids (such as saliva or mucus) of an infected person.
▪︎ Intimate Contact: Prolonged skin-to-skin contact during activities like cuddling, kissing, or s*xual contact.
▪︎ Respiratory Droplets: Extended face-to-face contact (such as talking or breathing) can transmit respiratory particles.
▪︎ Pregnancy and Birth: The virus can pass from a pregnant individual to the fetus.
2. Contaminated Objects (Fomites)
▪︎ Touching items that have been in contact with an infected person's rash or bodily fluids, such as bedding and towels, clothing, electronics, shared objects, or surfaces.
3. Animal-to-Person (Zoonotic)
▪︎ Animal Encounters: In areas where the virus is common (primarily parts of Central and West Africa), you can catch it through bites, scratches, or handling the meat or blood of infected wild animals like rodents and primates.
