Mpox Virus, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is similar to smallpox but is generally less severe. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially renamed it “mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma associated with the original name.
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Key Points About Mpox Virus:
- Transmission: Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or with contaminated material. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, and less commonly through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Symptoms: Initial symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. This is followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages before forming a scab and eventually falling off.
- Incubation Period: The time from infection to symptoms (incubation period) is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.
- Severity: While mpox is usually mild and self-limiting, some cases can be severe, especially in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Prevention: Preventative measures include avoiding contact with potentially infected animals or humans, maintaining good hygiene practices, and using personal protective equipment. Vaccines developed for smallpox are effective in preventing mpox.
- Treatment: There is no specific treatment for mpox. However, antiviral drugs developed for smallpox, like tecovirimat, may be effective against mpox. Supportive care and treatment of symptoms are the main approaches to managing the disease.
Mpox is most commonly found in Central and West Africa, particularly in areas close to tropical rainforests. Still, outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.
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How Quickly Will Mpox Outbreaks Be Contained?
The timeline for containing these mpox outbreaks remains uncertain. During the 2022 mpox outbreak, which affected over 70 countries, the spread was slowed within months, largely due to vaccination programs and the availability of treatments, particularly in wealthier nations.
Currently, the majority of mpox cases are concentrated in Africa, with 96% of infections and deaths occurring in Congo. Congo, one of the world’s poorest countries, is grappling with a severely weakened health system strained by malnutrition, cholera, and measles. Despite Congolese officials requesting 4 million vaccines from international donors, they have yet to receive any.
Even after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global emergency in 2022, Africa received minimal access to vaccines and treatments.
Dr. Chris Beyrer from Duke University emphasized that it is in the global community’s interest to invest in ending the outbreaks in Africa now, before they spread further.
