Contents
Introduction
- Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. WHO has declared Mpox as a public health emergency with recent global outbreaks.
- To understand the critical aspects of global health and disease management with the outbreaks, we need to address the emergence of a new virus strain that causes severe infections and has a high mortality rate, spreading in non-endemic countries and impacting vulnerable populations.
Overview of Monkeypox
- The Mpox virus was first discovered in 1950. Since 1970, infections associated with Mpox in humans have been reported in six children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There are 2 clades (genetic variants) of the Mpox virus, Clade I (DRC) and Clade II (West Africa). Clade IIb is associated with the outbreak in 2022. A new variant, Clade Ib, is associated with the recent outbreaks originating in the DRC.
- The primary symptom is infectious rashes in hands, legs, genital areas, and mouth. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, myalgia, and low energy are the associated symptoms. The virus spreads through contact with infectious rashes by physical or sexual contact. Contact with contaminated objects can also lead to transmission of the virus.
Recent Outbreaks in 2024
- Countries affected in the recent outbreak are Cameroon, DRC, Central Africa Republic, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Liberia, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, Uganda, and Rwanda. India detected the latest case in March 2024 with no further cases.
- The DRC accounts for 96% of the Mpox in Africa, out of which 60% of cases are children below 15 years. The new clade Ib strain has also affected the neighboring countries of the DRC, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. In Asia, Pakistan, Philippine, and Thailand have reported one case each as of August 2024. In Europe, Sweden has reported one case of Mpox with the Clade I variant.
- By May 1, 2024, the US reported 570 Mpox cases, an increase from 300 cases last year. The UK reported 176 cases between 2023 and 2024.
Causes and Contributing Factors
- A new virus strain of Mpox called Clade Ib fuels the 2024 outbreak. The strain originated in the DRC causes severe illness than the clade IIb variety which contributed to the 2022 outbreak.
- Men having gay sex are at higher risk for developing Mpox due to contact. Unlike smallpox virus that spreads through respiratory droplets, Mpox transmission occurs through skin-to-skin contact with infectious rashes. Mpox virus can persist on porous and nonporous surfaces. The virus can be viable for up to 15 days on the porous surface. Wild animal contact and global travel are the other contributing factors to the outbreak.
Response and Control Measures
- The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is closely working with health officials to ensure availability of vaccines to high-risk communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking the spread of the disease globally.
- The JYNNEOS (MVA-BN) vaccine, a 2-dose vaccine, is used against both Mpox and Smallpox. High-risk groups are recommended to receive vaccinations. WHO has enforced strong public health measures to tackle spread of the disease.
JYNNEOS Vaccine. Source: JYNNEOS
Conclusion:
WHO has announced Mpox as a public health emergency with the recent outbreaks. A new variant of the virus (Clade Ib) originating from the DRC is responsible for 2024 outbreaks. WHO and health organizations are collaborating in response to the outbreak with vaccination efforts and public health campaigns. Furthermore, it is important to stay informed and follow the health guidelines to protect yourself and the community.
References
- FACT SHEET: United States Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in Several African Countries | CDC Newsroom
- The state of global mpox in 2024: new variants, rising outbreaks in Africa, and vaccine trials just starting | The BMJ
- Mapped: New mpox cases reported. What countries have it now? | Health News | Al Jazeera
- Monkeypox is a global crisis currently: What is its status in India? | – Times of India (indiatimes.com)
- Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak: epidemiological overview, 4 April 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Environmental Persistence of Monkeypox Virus on Surfaces in Household of Person with Travel-Associated Infection, Dallas, Texas, USA, 2021 – Volume 28, Number 10—October 2022 – Emerging Infectious Diseases journal – CDC
- HHS Response to the Mpox Outbreak | HHS.gov
- Mpox Vaccine Recommendations | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
Written By: Ayoob Mansoor PharmD RPh