The Mpox Virus: An Evolving Global Threat

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), its highest level of alert, due to the rapid spread of the virus in Africa. This is the second time mpox has been declared a global health emergency since 2022.

What is Mpox?

Definition

Mpox is a viral infection that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the family of viruses known as “Orthopoxvirus genus.” This family of viruses includes other well-known diseases such as smallpox, cowpox, and vaccinia.

History

Mpox was first identified in monkeys in Denmark in 1958 and was originally named “monkeypox.” In 1970, the first case of mpox in a human was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2022, the WHO recommended changing the name to “mpox” to reduce stigma and confusion with the disease’s association with monkeys.

Transmission of Mpox

Animal-to-Human Transmission

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through contact with an infected animal, such as a monkey, rodent, or other mammal. Transmission occurs when an infected animal bites, scratches, or otherwise comes into contact with a human’s skin or mucous membranes.

Human-to-Human Transmission

Mpox can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact. This can occur through:

Direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person
Prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person
Touching objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as bedding or clothing

Symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of mpox can vary in severity and may include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
A distinctive rash that can appear on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body

Rash

The rash associated with mpox is a characteristic feature of the disease. It typically progresses through several stages:

Macules: Flat, discolored spots on the skin
Papules: Firm, raised bumps on the skin
Vesicles: Bumps filled with clear fluid
Pustules: Bumps filled with pus
Scabs: Crusts that form over the pustules

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mpox

Mpox can be diagnosed through laboratory testing of a sample of fluid swabbed from the rash. There are no specific treatments for mpox, but symptoms can be managed with supportive care, such as pain relievers and antiviral medications.

Global Health Emergency

The WHO declared mpox a global health emergency in 2022 due to the rapid spread of the virus through sexual contact and its emergence in countries where it had not previously been seen. In 2023, the WHO lifted the emergency status as cases declined.

However, in 2024, the WHO re-declared mpox a global health emergency due to the emergence of a new variant of the virus in Africa and its rapid spread across the continent. The new variant is more deadly and can cause more severe symptoms.

Geographic Spread of Mpox

Currently, mpox has been reported in at least 13 African countries and has now exceeded last year’s figures in terms of cases and deaths. The majority of cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a new form of the virus has been identified.

There is concern that mpox could spread to other continents and become a global health threat.

Vaccination and Prevention

There are no approved vaccines or treatments specifically for mpox.

However, the smallpox vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing mpox. The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox or who are at high risk of exposure.

Other preventive measures include:

Avoiding contact with infected animals or people
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus
Avoiding large gatherings
Staying home if sick

Conclusion

Mpox is a serious viral infection that can have significant health последствия. The recent outbreaks and the re-declaration of a global health emergency highlight the need for continued surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and effective prevention measures to control the spread of this virus.

By working together, we can help to protect our communities and prevent the further spread of mpox.