Which Groups are at higher Risk of developing severe illness from Mpox infection?
Mpox can be severe in the following groups of people:

  • Children
  • Pregnant mothers
  • Immunocompromised individuals

Children
•Children have underdeveloped immunity which puts them at risk of developing complications when infected with mpox. 

Pregnant mothers
•Pregnant mothers are at risk of passing the infection to their fetus before, during and after birth. 

Immunocompromised individuals
•Most people who have mpox normally recover within 2-4weeks of the infection. 
•However, individuals with weakened immunity may develop severe symptoms and complications. 
•Persons with immune suppression due to certain medications that cause immunosuppression or underlying diseases that suppress their immunity are always at higher risk of developing serious illness or even death.
•Persons with HIV/AIDs that is not well controlled via treatment may also develop complications.

•Complications of mpox infection include; bacterial abscess and skin damage, pneumonia, pain or difficulty swallowing, severe dehydration as a result of diarrhea and vomiting, sepsis, inflammation in the brain, heart, rectum and genital or even death.

Which Groups are at higher risk of mpox infection?
•Everyone can get infected with Mpox when they get into contact with infected persons, materials or animals.
•Rate of infection is normally higher during outbreaks.
However, the following groups are at higher risk of getting infected:

  • Health care workers 
  • Persons who are in close contact with patients i.e. those who are involved in surveillance and tracing and those who closely take care of patients hence the need for adherence to guidelines.
  • People with multiple sexual partners including sex workers.

Impact on Infected Persons 
•Due to the nature of the disease (its characteristic skin rash), infected people may be stigmatized in the community. 
•Additionally, people may get discriminated since mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact. 
•It is important to note that mpox can affect anyone through close contact with infected individuals or materials. •Therefore it is vital to avoid stigma and discrimination and support anyone infected.