Mpox Declared Public Health Emergency by WHO Amidst Rising Cases

Mpox has emerged as a significant global health concern, with a surge in cases across Africa prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the alarming rise in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations.

However, WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge reassured that Mpox, unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, does not require the same level of global intervention. He emphasised that with proper management and control measures, the spread of Mpox can be effectively contained.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), manifests with a range of symptoms including a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and back pain. The virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus, with two main types: clade I (including subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (including subclades IIa and IIb).

The clade IIb outbreak began globally in 2022 and persists, while clade Ib has also been detected outside Africa as of August 2024. The natural host of Mpox remains unidentified, but small mammals like squirrels and monkeys are known to be susceptible.

How Is Mpox Transmitted?

Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin and mouth-to-mouth contact. Individuals with multiple sexual partners are at increased risk. Transmission can also occur via contaminated objects such as clothing or linens, needle injuries in healthcare settings, or in community environments like tattoo parlours.

Pregnant women can transmit Mpox to their babies, potentially causing severe complications for both the mother and the child. Additionally, Mpox can spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or handling infected animals.

Treatment and Prevention

Vaccination plays a critical role in preventing Mpox, especially during outbreaks. Two vaccines, Jynneos and Acam2000, are available to reduce infection risk and severity. Tecovirimat, an antiviral initially developed for smallpox, is used for treating Mpox, although there is no specific antiviral approved exclusively for Mpox as of yet.

Mpox Vs Chickenpox And Smallpox: Key Differences

Dr Rohit Batra, a dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, clarified the differences between Mpox, chickenpox, and smallpox. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), is distinct from chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Mpox symptoms begin with fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes before the rash appears, whereas chickenpox rashes develop 1 to 2 days after fever. Mpox lesions are larger compared to those of chickenpox.

Both Mpox and smallpox exhibit similar symptoms, including fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and a characteristic rash with fluid-filled lesions. However, Mpox has a lower fatality rate (1-10%) compared to smallpox, which was fatal in 30-50% of cases and eradicated in 1980 due to its exclusive human reservoir.