Table 2 Answers of the surveyed Lebanese adults regarding HPMX severity, case management, vaccines, and precautionary measures

Severity of the disease and high-risk groups

 The elderly were at high risk of HPMX^f

 Healthcare workers were at high risk of HPMX^c

 HPMX is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illnesses^c

 The clinical manifestation of HPMX is usually severe^f

HPMX is a deadly disease^f

 Complications due to HPMX can occur among children/people with immunodeficiency^c

 Complications are related to the extent of virus exposure and patient health status^c

 Corneal involvement (leading to loss of vision) is one of the complications of HPMX^c

Treatment, vaccines, and case management

 There is no specific treatment for HPMX^c

 Patients should be offered fluids and food to maintain adequate nutritional status^c

 The smallpox vaccine can provide cross-protection for the HPMX virus^c

 There is a specific vaccine for HPMX^f

 The isolation of the HPMX patient in the hospital/at home in a separate room is mandatory^c

 Covering skin lesions (e.g., long sleeves, long pants) is not necessary for HPMX cases ^f

 Isolation should be continued until the fever disappear^f

 Patients with HPMX can receive antibiotics that alleviate symptoms^f

 It is not necessary to closely monitor the HPMX case during the period of isolation^f

Precautionary measures

 Avoid contact with any materials that have been in contact with a suspected case of HPMX^c

 Keep safe physical distance^c

 Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with HPMX^c

 Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with HPMX^c

 Wear a face mask if you are in close contact with someone who has symptoms^c

 Eating raw meat^f

 Practice good hand hygiene^c