Understanding Mpox: Symptoms, Transmission, and Global Response

Mpox, formerly monkeypox, is a highly contagious disease declared a public health emergency by the WHO. Characterized by fever and a painful rash, it poses fatal risks, particularly for children. The virus has spread to countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, with increased infection rates reported. Preventative vaccination exists but requires expanded accessibility to those at risk.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been identified as a highly contagious disease that has sparked a public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other parts of Africa. Originally transmitted from animals to humans, it is now also spread among individuals. Symptoms typically commence with fever, headaches, and muscle aches, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to various body parts. In severe cases, the disease can result in fatalities, particularly among young children and immunocompromised individuals.

The virus is predominantly found in rural regions of West and Central Africa, such as the DRC, with thousands of infections and numerous fatalities occurring annually. New outbreaks have been reported recently in countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Mpox comprises two main clades, with Clade 1—known for its seriousness—currently spreading and causing alarm among health officials due to its impact on children and the rise of a new variant known as Clade 1b. As of mid-2024, Africa has seen over 14,500 infections with a notable increase in both cases and fatalities compared to the previous year.

Transmission occurs primarily through close contact, including sexual encounters and interactions with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Health care workers and family members caring for those ill are also at risk. Young children are particularly vulnerable due to developing immune systems and a lack of access to vaccinations, following the discontinuation of the smallpox vaccine over forty years ago. As preventive measures, health authorities recommend stringent hygiene practices and the safe isolation of infected individuals until recovery.

Vaccination against mpox is available but is mainly offered to those at high risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged drug manufacturers to expedite emergency use of mpox vaccines. Coordination among governments has become critical now that a continent-wide public health emergency is officially acknowledged, as swift intervention is essential to prevent the disease from extending beyond its current outbreak areas.

Mpox, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, is linked to the variola virus which causes smallpox. This virus was originally identified in primates but has since been known to infect humans as well. The recent outbreaks, especially in the DRC, reflect both a long-standing endemic presence of the virus as well as new transmission dynamics that have emerged globally. Concerns regarding the emerging variants and their transmission patterns emphasize the need for public health readiness and responses to counter the threat posed by mpox. Close contact is a significant vector for transmission, complicating containment efforts.

In summary, mpox presents significant public health risks, particularly in Africa where transmission rates are rising. Continued vigilance is necessary to track and respond to outbreaks, especially with the emergence of new variants that may affect transmission dynamics and severity. Vaccination efforts need bolstering, particularly within vulnerable populations, as concerted action among governments and health organizations is paramount to managing this contagious disease effectively.

Original Source: www.bbc.com