Understanding Monkeypox: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus spreads mainly by close contact with infected people, and occasionally via contaminated surfaces. Monkeypox virus in the wild animals can also be transmitted from infected animals to people in contact with them. The common symptoms of mpox are skin or mucosal lesions in form of rashes that can last up to 4 weeks. These rashes are usually accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and even swollen lymph nodes. Severe disease as a result of mpox may include more widespread mucosal lesions that may spread to the genitals, mouth and eyes, secondary bacterial infections of the skin, blood, and lung infections. According to WHO, between 0.1% and 10% of people with mpox have died.

Recently, World Health Organization declared mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a few other African Nations a public health emergency of international concern, paving for greater and stronger approach to contain the spread of the disease.  Mpox has been reported in DRC for more than a decade; according to WHO’s reports, the number of cases reported is increasing steadily over the years with more than 537 deaths. WHO earlier declared mpox a disease of Public Health Emergency of international concern in 2022 as the disease was rapidly spreading across countries. The public health emergency ended in May 2023 following a sustained global decline in cases.

There are increasing fears of mpox spread in EU after the first infection of the new mpox clase 1 variant was recently reported in Sweden. The person infected with the virus was a traveler who had recently returned from Africa. Countries like China are also instituting stricter measures where travelers are examined at airports, isolated, and treated where necessary. Experts say that the new strain is linked with a more severe disease and higher mortality rates.

The disease can be prevented by following strict hygiene protocols. Although there is no specific vaccine that targets the monkeypox virus, there are recommended related vaccines developed to protect against mpox and smallpox. The virus that causes mpox is related to the virus that causes smallpox. JYNNEOS, a Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Non-Replicating, is a 2-dose vaccine for the prevention of mpox as well as smallpox. The drug is manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and was first approved on September 24, 2019, for use in humans 18 years and above. In EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, and Switzerland, only the vaccines produced by Bavarian Nordic have so far been approved for use. Japan approved the smallpox vaccine LC16, while Russia licensed OrthopoxVac for use against mpox and smallpox. With the global mpox emergency in place, nations are ramping up their national mpox vaccination strategies to halt the emergence of new cases of mpox.

New developments in mpox research and containment efforts are ongoing as the global health community works towards a comprehensive understanding and effective management of the disease. Collaboration between nations, organizations, and researchers is crucial to address the evolving challenges posed by mpox, such as the emergence of new variants and the need for improved preventive measures and treatments. Continuous surveillance, information sharing, and coordinated response efforts are essential to protect public health on a global scale. By staying informed and actively participating in preventive measures, individuals can contribute to the collective effort to control and mitigate the impact of mpox outbreaks worldwide.