Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral infection that has gained attention worldwide. On 14th August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease an international concern. Although it was once considered rare, recent outbreaks in and beyond Africa have increased public concern.
Apart from the bilateral health budget, the United States has allotted approximately $17 billion to combat Mpox in Central and Eastern Africa. As the country gears up to resist this probable upcoming health threat, we took insights from national and international health platforms. Here are some key points to know about Mpox.
Mpox: Definition & History
The monkeypox virus causing the monkeypox disease belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the variola family that causes smallpox. However, M-Pox is generally less contagious and less deadly compared to smallpox. The disease was initially identified in lab monkeys in 1958, hence the name ‘monkeypox’, but it is more commonly found in rodents and other small mammals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo witnessed the first mpox case in humans back in 1970. In 2022, the disease resurfaced as an endemic in several parts of Africa and later spread to other continents due to global travel and other factors.
Transmission of Mpox
Mpox transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person or animal. Human-to-human transmission can happen via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or direct contact with the rash, sores, or scabs of an affected individual. It can also get transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated items, like clothing, bedding, or towels. Animal-to-human transmission can also occur through bites, scratches, or handling wild animals, particularly in regions where the virus is endemic. Another possible route of transmission is consuming undercooked meat from infected animals. As per WHO, the global mpox outbreak in 2022 was mostly caused by sexual contact.
Symptoms of Mpox
The symptoms of mpox typically begin with a fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes are a distinctive feature that helps differentiate mpox from other similar diseases like chickenpox or smallpox. Within a few days of the fever’s onset, a rash develops, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The most susceptible regions for the blisters include the palms, feet, and genitalia. The entire illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Incubation Period
The incubation period of Mpox typically ranges from 7 to 14 days. This period is between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. However, it can be as short as five days or as long as 21 days. During the incubation period, the virus is actively multiplying within the body, but the person is not yet showing symptoms and is generally not contagious.
Types of Mpox
The two types of the mpox virus, namely Clade I and Clade II, have been identified so far. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa. It is more severe and has a higher mortality rate, with past outbreaks showing up to 10% fatalities. Clade II, which led to the 2022 global outbreak, is less severe, with over 99.9% survival. Clade II is endemic to West Africa.
The Severity of Mpox
The symptoms of mpox are mild in most cases, and the patient recovers fully without any specific treatment. However, this disease can be severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The mortality rate for mpox is estimated to be between 1% and 10%, with the Central African (Congo Basin) strain being more virulent than the West African strain. While these figures may sound alarming, it is essential to note that most deaths occur in regions with limited access to healthcare.
Diagnosis of the Disease
Diagnosing mpox requires a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory testing. Healthcare providers often begin by assessing the characteristic rash and other symptoms through laboratory confirmation. The most reliable diagnostic test is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which detects the DNA of the monkeypox virus in samples taken from the rash, throat swabs, or blood. Additionally, serological tests can be performed to detect antibodies against the virus, which may indicate a current or previous infection.
Treatment of Mpox
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment approved exclusively for mpox. Supportive care, such as pain relievers, fluids, and rest, is typically recommended for relieving symptoms. Antiviral drugs like Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX) may be used in severe cases, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. Other antivirals, such as Cidofovir and Brincidofovir, may also be considered in severe cases, though their use is less common.
Vaccination against Mpox
Vaccination is vital in preventing mpox, particularly for those at high risk of exposure, including people in the healthcare field and laboratory personnel handling the virus. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends smallpox vaccines like JYNNEOS and ACAM2000® as effective measures for preventing Mpox.
Possible prevention of Mpox
As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country has low risks from mpox at the moment. Good hygiene practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) can significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to avoid close contact with infected individuals and animals that might carry the virus, particularly in regions where mpox is endemic.
Public Health Response to Mpox
Public health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are playing a crucial role in monitoring and responding to mpox outbreaks. Their primary goal is to provide guidance on case management, infection control, and vaccination strategies to limit the spread of the virus. Public health officials are implementing measures such as contact tracing, quarantine of infected individuals, and vaccination campaigns for high-risk populations in response to outbreaks.