Mpox: what we know

You might have heard that, in 2022, a disease called mpox spread in parts of the world where it typically does not. The disease was first known as monkeypox but was renamed by the WHO and is now called mpox to avoid stigmatizing and racist language. 1

If you want to learn more about the viral outbreak and mpox, this article is for you. 

On August 14, 2024, the WHO declared a public health emergency due to the rapid rise in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The virus has also spread to several neighboring countries, increasing the urgency of the situation. 2

This is the second time in 2 years that mpox has been declared a public health emergency. The first was from July 2022 to May 2023, when a spike in cases was identified in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. 2 There were also a few cases reported in Asia. This was especially concerning because mpox was rare outside Central and West African countries at the time. The public health emergency ended on May 10, 2023, after the number of international cases dropped. 3 4

The number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. 5 6

The current outbreak is particularly concerning because of the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of mpox (monkeypox), clade 1b. Its potential to spread within and beyond Africa has made it a public health emergency of international concern. Just last month, over 100 cases of clade Ib have been identified in countries that previously did not report mpox: Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda.

Although mpox can affect anyone, certain populations are at higher risk. Children are particularly vulnerable, with about two-thirds of infections in the DRC occurring in those under the age of 15. 7 8

Mpox is a disease that scientists first discovered in monkeys in 1958, which is where it got its old name, monkeypox. It was first seen in humans in 1970. 2 Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, which is from the same virus family as smallpox, but it causes a less severe illness than smallpox. 2

Infection with 2 types of mpox virus has been previously identified: clade I (formerly the Congo Basin strain) and clade II (formerly the West African strain). 2

Although mpox outbreaks have occurred in various countries, involving different clades, transmission modes, and risk levels, PCR analysis confirms that the recent outbreak includes several cases of the clade Ib strain. 2

For most people, mpox is not life-threatening. But it can cause painful symptoms, disrupt day-to-day life, and may be linked to social stigma. 3

Mpox usually causes fever and a distinctive rash, but other symptoms include: 2

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Aching muscles
• Swollen lymph nodes

The mpox rash usually appears on the face, hands, and feet, although it can also affect other parts of the body. Eventually, the rash turns into a scab and falls off. 2

Pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised people may be at increased risk of serious disease. 2

The smallpox vaccine may be up to 85% effective in preventing mpox. 9 There are also existing antiviral drugs that may be effective against mpox. 9

But for most people with an infection, treatment is not necessary as the disease will run its course in a couple of weeks. 10

Mpox infections can occur due to contact with infected animals or people. The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, exchange of bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets. 2 This could be during sex, parties, dance events, or other social gatherings. 3

The rise in cases may have been due to the drop-off of smallpox vaccinations around the globe in the 1980s. 11 This means most people under 45 have poor immunity to mpox and other similar viruses. Since its discovery, mpox has not gained proper attention until it caused a global outbreak in 2022. There is a need for a coordinated international response to support countries to end the outbreaks.

As of August 14, 2024, the WHO has declared the recent outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. If you live in or are traveling to West, Central, or East Africa—where the virus is endemic—or to countries with higher case numbers, it’s important to stay informed and take precautions.

Mpox is not a new virus. Its distinctive rash makes it easy to recognize if you’re infected and need to avoid contact with others. Additionally, effective vaccines and treatments are already available.

Anyone can get infected with mpox and pass it on. The best ways to protect yourself and others are: 8

• Staying at home and calling to your doctor if you have symptoms 
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has symptoms 
• Wearing a mask if you are in close contact with someone with symptoms 
• Washing your hands regularly
• Cleaning objects and surfaces that are regularly touched