The emergence of a potential new public health threat has sparked concerns worldwide, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global public health emergency. With a surge of cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and multiple African countries, experts are analyzing the pandemic potential of this virus compared to the devastating impact of COVID-19.
### Understanding the Threat of MPOX
Mpox, a virus that causes symptoms such as a painful rash, fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory issues, has been classified into two main clades: Clade 1 and Clade 2. The World Health Organization officially designated the mpox outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” on August 14, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Clade 2, the strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak, boasts survival rates exceeding 99.9%. In contrast, Clade 1, which is currently fueling the outbreak in the DRC and Africa, leads to more severe illness and higher mortality rates. Some outbreaks have resulted in as much as a 10% fatality rate, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, expressed concern about the rapid spread of the new clade of mpox in eastern DRC and neighboring countries, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response to contain the outbreaks and prevent further loss of life.
### Is MPOX the Next COVID-19?
While the potential threat of mpox looms large, experts like Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, believe that mpox is unlikely to evolve into a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, which spreads through respiratory aerosols and can be transmitted even before symptoms appear, mpox primarily requires close skin-to-skin contact for transmission.
Dr. Kuritzkes explained, “Rarely, heavily contaminated material such as bedding can be infectious, but people are not going to catch mpox by being on the same bus or running into someone at the grocery store.” This key difference in transmission routes between mpox and COVID-19 diminishes the likelihood of mpox evolving into a global pandemic.
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, concurred that mpox is not comparable to COVID-19 in terms of its spread. He emphasized that mpox spreads through direct contact, sexual contact, kissing, and close respiratory droplets, rather than over longer distances by respiratory spread. With Clade 1 currently confined to the DRC and neighboring African countries, the risk of a worldwide pandemic remains low at present.
### Prevention and Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors for mpox is crucial for preventing its spread and protecting vulnerable populations. While mpox can affect anyone, data suggests that men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted, particularly among Black and Hispanic men. Early recognition, diagnosis, awareness, and targeted vaccination of high-risk individuals are paramount in curbing the spread of the virus.
Individuals who are immunocompromised or very young face the highest risk of severe infection from mpox. Dr. Kuritzkes highlighted the importance of effective antiretroviral therapy for people with HIV to mitigate the risk of mpox infection. Even after recovery, survivors may experience long-term effects such as vision impairment, encephalitis, and scarring, necessitating further research into addressing these complications.
In addition to vaccination and targeted prevention strategies, innovative approaches to mpox diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive measures are essential in combating the virus. Dr. Brad Perkins, chief medical officer at Karius, emphasized the need for new advancements in mpox management to enhance global preparedness and response to future outbreaks.
### Conclusion
As the world grapples with the emergence of mpox as a global public health emergency, experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures to contain the virus and protect vulnerable populations. While mpox poses a significant health threat, its limited transmission routes and containment potential distinguish it from the rapid spread of COVID-19.
By prioritizing early detection, targeted vaccination, and innovative research, healthcare authorities can effectively mitigate the impact of mpox outbreaks and prevent the virus from evolving into a widespread pandemic. Collaboration on an international scale is essential to address the challenges posed by mpox and safeguard global health security in the face of emerging infectious diseases.
