ExclusiveHealth & Fitness

Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus in 2024: Global Health Emergency, Outbreaks, and What You Need to Know

AspectDetails about Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus
VirusMpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox virus) (MPXV), part of the Orthopoxvirus genus
CladesClade I (more severe) and Clade II (less severe)
TransmissionClose contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials
SymptomsRash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches
DurationTypically 2-4 weeks
VaccineJYNNEOS (MVA-BN) and ACAM2000
Global StatusThe WHO declared mpox, formerly called monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern on 24 August 2024.
Table: Details about Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus
  • Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time since 2022.
  • The 2024 mpox outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has spread rapidly across central Africa, with over 14,000 reported cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year alone, surpassing the total numbers from 2023.
  • The outbreak is being driven by clade I of the monkeypox virus, which may present a greater threat than the 2022 outbreak that was primarily caused by clade II.
  • A case has also been confirmed in Europe, sparking concerns of broader global transmission similar to the multi-country outbreak in 2022.

What is Mpox?

  • Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
  • The disease was first discovered in monkeys in Denmark in 1958, and the first human case was reported in a nine-month-old boy in the DRC in 1970.
  • Mpox is similar to smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980, as well as other poxviruses like cowpox and vaccinia.
  • To reduce stigma, the WHO began using “mpox” as a preferred synonym for “monkeypox” in 2022.
  • The natural reservoir of the monkeypox virus is unknown, but various small mammals like squirrels and monkeys are susceptible.

Transmission

  • Mpox can spread from infected persons to others mainly through close contact, including touching, kissing, sex, and occasionally from breathing close to someone with mpox.
  • The virus can also spread from infected animals to people through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or lesions.
  • Rarely, mpox may spread through contact with objects and surfaces that have been touched by an infected person, such as bedding or clothing.
  • Pregnant people infected with mpox can pass the virus to their unborn baby.

Symptoms

  • Common symptoms of mpox include a rash that looks like blisters and can affect the face, palms, soles, groin, genitals, and other areas. The rash can last 2-4 weeks.
  • The rash may start with or be preceded by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • The number of sores can range from one to several thousand. In severe cases, lesions can occur in the eyes, mouth, and throat.
  • Mpox symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from other infections like chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, and medication allergies.
  • Most people fully recover from mpox, but some cases can be severe or lead to complications and death, especially in babies, children, pregnant people, and the immunocompromised.
List of Symptoms of monkeypox | From: Al-Jazeera | The Prime Headline.
List of Symptoms of monkeypox | From: Al-Jazeera | The Prime Headline.

2022 Outbreak

  • In May 2022, an unusual mpox outbreak spread rapidly across Europe, the Americas, and all six WHO regions, with 110 countries reporting about 87,000 cases and 112 deaths.
  • The 2022 outbreak primarily affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, spreading through sexual networks.
  • This global outbreak was declared a PHEIC by the WHO on July 23, 2022.

Current 2024 Outbreak

  • The 2024 mpox outbreak emerged in the DRC and other central African countries in early 2024, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported in Africa as of mid-August.
  • 96% of cases have been in the DRC, where a new clade I variant causing milder symptoms was discovered. No cases of this variant have been reported outside Africa yet.
  • The outbreak has spread to 13 African countries, with a 160% increase in cases and 19% rise in deaths compared to the same period in 2023.
  • In August 2024, the Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency in Africa. The WHO followed suit, declaring mpox a PHEIC for the second time.
  • 60% of cases in the DRC are in children under 18. Young children, pregnant people, and the immunocompromised are at higher risk for severe mpox.
  • A case has been confirmed in Europe, raising concerns of global spread. However, limited international mobility in and out of the DRC may reduce this risk.

Mpox in the United States

The United States experienced its first major mpox outbreak in 2022, which was part of the global outbreak that year. As of August 2024:

  • While the 2024 mpox outbreak is primarily affecting countries in Africa, the United States is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for the possibility of clade I mpox cases domestically.
  • The risk to most Americans from clade I mpox currently remains low, as there are no known cases in the U.S. at this time.
  • However, the U.S. is taking proactive measures to rapidly detect, contain, and manage any potential clade I cases that may emerge.
  • Diagnostic testing capacity for mpox, including clade I, has been expanded nationwide to enable quick identification of cases, especially in those with recent travel to affected regions.
  • The U.S. distributed over 1 million doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine across the country between August 2022 and August 2024 to mitigate spread and severity. Those previously vaccinated against clade II mpox are expected to have some protection against clade I.
  • U.S. health authorities are providing updated guidance to clinicians, health departments, and the public on mpox transmission, prevention, and treatment.
  • The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network advisory for heightened vigilance and an updated Travel Health Notice recommending enhanced precautions for those traveling to the DRC and neighboring countries.
  • Through the first 24 weeks of 2024, Texas reported 152 mpox cases, a 76% increase compared to the 86 cases during the same period in 2023. Most U.S. cases continue to be in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals.
  • While mpox detection in U.S. wastewater has been low in the past 4 weeks, some areas in California and Illinois have seen intermittent detection in up to 80% of samples.

Read another wastewater case in Japan – Initial Tests Show No Detectable Tritium in Fish Near Fukushima Wastewater Release Site, But Questions Remain About Long-Term Impacts

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Mpox can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms resemble other conditions like chickenpox. Laboratory testing is required to confirm diagnosis.
  • There are currently no treatments specifically approved for mpox. Mild cases often resolve on their own with supportive care.
  • The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX), developed for smallpox, is being studied as a potential mpox treatment.
  • The JYNNEOS vaccine (also called Imvamune or Imvanex) has been approved for mpox post-exposure prophylaxis in adults in some countries.

Prevention and Control

  • The WHO has published mpox outbreak preparedness and response guidance for countries to enhance surveillance, diagnostics, and risk communication.
  • People with mpox should isolate at home until all lesions have healed, avoid physical contact with others, and inform recent close contacts of their diagnosis.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated and washing hands can help prevent mpox transmission.
  • In countries where mpox is endemic in animals, avoiding unprotected contact with wild animals and thoroughly cooking any wild game can reduce risk.
  • Vaccination of high-risk contacts may be recommended by health authorities in some circumstances to prevent infection.

Public Health Response

  • The WHO is working with African health authorities and partners to support mpox outbreak response through enhanced surveillance, diagnosis, and readiness measures.
  • The WHO has published technical guidance on mpox clinical care, infection control, vaccines, community engagement, and countering stigma.
  • Aid organizations like the International Rescue Committee are scaling up mpox responses in the DRC and Burundi, focusing on infection control, contact tracing, and supporting displaced populations.
  • Challenges include limited vaccine and treatment access in Africa, weak health systems in outbreak areas, and high mpox risk in displaced populations lacking WASH services.
  • Ongoing global coordination and support for African countries’ mpox response is crucial to prevent the outbreak from escalating into another international health crisis.

In summary, the 2024 mpox outbreak in Africa is a serious public health threat requiring swift action to control spread and mitigate impact, especially on vulnerable populations. Applying lessons from the 2022 outbreak, a globally coordinated response supporting African leadership is essential to contain this latest mpox emergency.


FAQs:

How is mpox transmitted?

Mpox can spread through close contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials. It can also spread through respiratory droplets and from pregnant people to their unborn babies.

What is the current global status of the mpox outbreak?

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 24, 2024. The outbreak is primarily affecting countries in central Africa, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported in the region.

What are the main symptoms of mpox?

Common symptoms include a rash that looks like blisters, as well as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can last 2-4 weeks.

What is the situation of mpox in the United States?

While the 2024 outbreak is mainly in Africa, the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and has taken measures to detect, contain, and manage any potential clade I mpox cases that may emerge domestically.

What is mpox (formerly monkeypox)?

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar to smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980.

How are mpox cases diagnosed and treated?

Mpox can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms resemble other conditions. Laboratory testing is required to confirm diagnosis. There are currently no treatments specifically approved for mpox, but the antiviral drug tecovirimat is being studied as a potential treatment.

What are the key prevention and control measures?

Isolation of infected individuals, contact tracing, vaccination of high-risk contacts, and good hygiene practices like hand washing and surface disinfection can help prevent mpox transmission.


Related Resources:

Health News Expert - ThePrimeHeadline

All kind of Health, Treatment, Medicine, Wellness news specialist

Related Articles

5 2 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Back to top button