Mpox – Guidance for shipboard operations Risk alerts John (Capt.) Taylor Published: September 03, 2024 Contact author Download article pdf Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It was first identified in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mpox can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most people recover fully, it can occasionally be fatal. Recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2024 have shown that Mpox is predominantly transmitted from human to human. Given the global nature of maritime operations, the maritime industry needs to remain vigilant about the risks of Mpox, especially since seafarers live and work in close proximity to each other onboard ships. Transmission Mpox can be transmitted through: Face-to-face interaction: Respiratory droplets from talking or breathing in close proximity to an infected person. Skin-to-skin contact: Any form of direct contact with an infected person. Contaminated objects: Contact with contaminated clothing, linens, or working tools. If a crew member is infected, the virus could potentially spread to other crew members. Signs and Symptoms Identifying Mpox can be challenging as its symptoms may resemble other infections. Symptoms usually appear within a week but can start anytime between 1–21 days after exposure. They typically last 2–4 weeks, although some may persist longer due to a weakened immune system. Common symptoms include: Rash Fever Sore throat Headache Muscle aches Back pain Low energy Swollen lymph nodes For infected crew members, the first symptom may be a rash, although fever, muscle aches, and sore throat can also be initial symptoms. The Mpox rash often begins on the face and spreads over the body, including the palms and soles. It evolves over 2-4 weeks through stages: macules, papules, vesicles, and pustules. The rash starts as flat sores that develop into bl