“Mpox Outbreak 2024 is causing global concern with a surge in cases across Africa. Learn about its symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures to stay informed.”

The Mpox Outbreak 2024 has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, which has seen a significant rise in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring African countries, is now raising alarm globally.

On August 14, 2024, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with an IHR Emergency Committee to review data from affected regions. This committee, consisting of independent experts, concluded that the Mpox Outbreak 2024 has the potential to spread further across African countries and possibly beyond.

This declaration of a PHEIC isn’t the first for mpox. In July 2022, the disease had already been flagged as a PHEIC due to a rapid multi-country spread, including cases in the UK. However, the 2022 PHEIC was lifted in May 2023 after a decline in global cases. But now, a new strain has emerged, leading to over 100 confirmed cases in countries bordering the DRC, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The actual number of cases is believed to be much higher.

The situation in the DRC alone is worrying. Last year saw a substantial rise in mpox cases, but 2024 has already exceeded those numbers with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to stop the spread of this new mpox strain and save lives.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first detected in humans in 1970 in the DRC. The disease is endemic to countries in central and west Africa. While it may sound unfamiliar to some, mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is less transmissible.

There are currently two vaccines available to help prevent the spread of mpox, offering hope for controlling this outbreak. But what exactly is mpox, and how does it spread?

Is Mpox Related to Smallpox?

Yes, mpox is related to smallpox. Both are caused by viruses in the same family, making the symptoms of mpox somewhat similar to smallpox, especially when the rash develops. However, Mpox Outbreak 2024 is considered less transmissible than smallpox.

Virologists have identified two strains of the mpox virus. The Congo strain, which is prevalent in the current Mpox Outbreak 2024, is more severe and has a higher mortality rate of up to 10%. Meanwhile, the West African strain, which has been seen in previous outbreaks, has a lower mortality rate of around 1%.

Symptoms of Mpox

The Mpox Outbreak 2024 presents symptoms that initially resemble the flu. According to health experts, the early signs include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Fatigue

How Is Mpox Treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for mpox. Most cases in the Mpox Outbreak 2024 will resolve on their own, though supportive care can help manage symptoms.

Fortunately, smallpox vaccines have been found to offer protection against mpox. The smallpox vaccine, even decades after its administration, is up to 85% effective in preventing mpox infection. This vaccine can be given both before and after exposure to the virus, providing a critical tool in managing the current outbreak.

How Does Mpox Spread?

The spread of the Mpox Outbreak 2024 occurs primarily through close contact. This can include:

• Direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or lesions.
• Respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.

Unlike respiratory viruses like COVID-19, mpox does not spread as easily through casual contact. Instead, the virus typically requires close, intimate contact to be transmitted. This means that household members, caregivers, or those engaging in intimate contact are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.

Diagnosing Mpox

Because the symptoms of mpox can resemble other viral infections, such as chickenpox, a definitive diagnosis is made through a lab test. Health professionals will take a sample from the patient and send it to a specialized laboratory for confirmation. It is important to consult a medical professional if you suspect you have symptoms of mpox, especially if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Controlling the Spread of Mpox

One of the most effective ways to control the Mpox Outbreak 2024 is through isolation and contact tracing. Identifying infected individuals and ensuring they remain isolated from others helps to limit the spread of the virus.

The smallpox vaccine is also being used to create a “ring vaccination” strategy. This involves vaccinating close contacts of confirmed cases to create a circle of immune individuals around the infected person, preventing further transmission. This method was successfully used to eradicate smallpox and is now being employed to combat mpox.

Is Mpox a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

While mpox has been detected in individuals who identify as men who have sex with men, it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus spreads through close contact, and sexual activity naturally involves this kind of close, skin-to-skin contact.

However, it’s essential to note that mpox can affect individuals of all sexual orientations and genders. The current Mpox Outbreak 2024 has highlighted the need for awareness, especially in populations where close contact is common.

Can You Get Mpox If You’ve Had Chickenpox?

Having chickenpox does not provide immunity to mpox. While both diseases have “pox” in their names, they are caused by different viruses. Mpox is part of the orthopoxvirus family, which includes smallpox, while chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpesvirus.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have Mpox?

If you suspect you have mpox or have been in contact with someone who does, the NHS advises the following:

• Contact your GP or call 111.
• Stay home and avoid close contact with others until a healthcare professional has assessed your condition.

Will There Be a Lockdown Due to the Mpox Outbreak 2024?

Despite concerns, a lockdown related to the Mpox Outbreak 2024 seems unlikely at this time. The WHO’s declaration of a PHEIC is aimed at encouraging a coordinated international response, but the number of cases remains relatively low in high-income countries. As of July 31, 2024, only 286 cases of mpox have been reported in the UK.

While the virus is transmissible, it does not spread as easily as respiratory viruses, making widespread lockdowns unnecessary. However, public health measures such as vaccination and isolation of cases are crucial to controlling the outbreak.

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