Janice R. Andrews
The viral illness known as mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has lately drawn attention from around the world as a result of large outbreaks, especially in some regions of Africa. The outbreaks of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its surrounding countries have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international significance. The illness mpox is very infectious and poses a major threat to public health. Previously mostly passing from animals to humans, the virus is increasingly spreading between people, raising concerns around the world.
This page will discuss what mpox is, how it spreads, what symptoms it causes, and the actions being done to deal with the escalating problem.
Mpox: What is it?
The virus that causes mpox is related to the virus that causes smallpox, although it usually causes less severe cases. Although mpox and smallpox are comparable, mpox is not as serious. It was initially discovered in monkeys, which is how the illness received its original name, “monkeypox.” It became clear over time that a variety of animals might get the virus and that people could contract it mostly through contact with sick animals. But these days, human-to-human transmission is the main worry—especially with the ongoing epidemics.
Clades 1 and 2 are the two primary viral types that cause mpox. Especially in areas like the DRC, Clade 1 is often more severe and has been accountable for the bulk of cases and fatalities. Health professionals are concerned about Clade 1b, a more recent type that may spread more quickly and result in more serious sickness.
Symptoms of Mumps
Often, the early signs of mpox resemble the flu. Those with the infection may encounter:
- High temperature
- Headaches
- Increased lymph node swelling
- Back discomfort
- Sore muscles
- Exhaustion
The emergence of a rash usually follows these symptoms. The rash often starts on the face and works its way down to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, among other areas of the body. The rash develops in phases, beginning as flat patches, developing into elevated lumps, and finally developing into fluid-filled blisters that crust over and eventually fall off.
In more extreme cases, lesions can occur over vast portions of the body, including the lips, eyes, and genital regions. The rash can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. This can be particularly risky for susceptible groups, such as small children, expectant mothers, and those with compromised immune systems. Even while the illness usually goes away on its own after 14 to 21 days, rare instances can be deadly, especially in areas with poor access to healthcare.
African Mpox Outbreaks
Most cases of mpox occur in isolated areas of West and Central Africa, especially in tropical rainforests. Thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths are recorded annually in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the illness has always been prevalent in the area, things have gotten worse recently. The DRC recorded more than 14,500 mpox illnesses and nearly 450 deaths between January and July 2024—a 160% rise in infections over the same period in 2023.
Health officials are concerned about this spike in cases, particularly as mpox is spreading to nearby nations including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Because the illness was not previously common in these nations, worries have been raised about the possibility of potentially larger outbreaks throughout Africa and beyond.
How Do You Spread Mumps?
The main way that mpox is transmitted is by intimate contact with an infected individual. This can occur through direct physical interactions like hugging, kissing, or sexual contact, or it can occur through skin-to-skin contact like touching the rash or lesions. Mumps propagated mostly through sexual contact during the worldwide pandemic in 2022, but it may also spread by respiratory droplets during extended face-to-face contact, much like COVID-19.
The virus can also be transmitted from person to person by contact with items contaminated by an infected individual, such as towels, clothes, or bedding. Moreover, the virus is extremely infectious as it may enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, or damaged skin.
Another method of transmission is from animal to human, especially when an infected animal like a monkey, rat, or squirrel comes into touch with a human. Individuals who hunt and eat bushmeat in rural regions are more likely to get mpox from wildlife.
Who Is Most in Danger?
An individual who has been in close touch with an infected person may become susceptible to mpox. This include healthcare personnel, persons providing care, and relatives of those afflicted. Recent epidemics have also been linked, particularly in adult populations, to sexual transmission as a major contributing factor.
Children are more susceptible to mpox instances that are severe. Children under 15 are most affected by the disease in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), most likely as a result of malnutrition and still-developing immune systems. The fact that the smallpox vaccine was stopped decades ago and is no longer administered might potentially make younger people more vulnerable to mpox.
Individuals who are immune system weakened or pregnant are particularly vulnerable, since their bodies may not be able to fend against the infection.
Prevention and Management
The WHO recommends a few preventative steps to lessen the mpox’s spread. Among them are:
- Refraining from close contact with those who exhibit outward signs, such a rash or lesions.
- Frequent use of soap and water for hand washing.
- Isolating afflicted people until their wounds have fully healed.
- Using condoms as a precaution when having sex for a full month following recuperation.
When providing treatment for patients with mpox, healthcare providers should adhere to stringent infection control guidelines, which include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and washing their hands often.
Is There a Mpox Vaccine?
Indeed, there are mpox vaccinations available, but they are not very common. Those who are at high risk, such as healthcare professionals and those who have had close contact with an infected person, are usually the only ones eligible for these immunizations. Nonetheless, vaccine availability is still a major problem, particularly in areas where mpox is most common.
The World Health Organization has urged vaccine producers to provide mpox vaccinations for emergency use, even in cases where they have not received official approval. To guarantee that vulnerable populations, especially those in Africa, have access to immunizations and medical treatment, international initiatives are required.
Final Thoughts
Because the illness is spreading at alarming rates in Africa, mpox is a severe and expanding public health problem. Previously mostly spreading from animals to humans, the virus now poses a serious danger to world health due to its quick interpersonal transmission. The epidemics are still being contained, but obstacles including a lack of vaccines and inadequate medical resources are making things harder. In order to stop the spread of mpox and lessen its terrible effects on impacted communities, international collaboration and prompt action are crucial.
