Geneva, – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak a global health emergency, signaling the seriousness of the situation and the potential for it to escalate if not addressed swiftly and effectively. This marks the second time in recent years that the WHO has made such a declaration, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has historically been endemic in parts of Central and West Africa. The disease is caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus, although mpox is generally less severe. The current outbreak, however, has shown an unusual pattern of spread, affecting countries where the disease was previously unknown or rare.

How Does Mpox Spread?

Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids, mpox sores, or contaminated materials such as bedding. Respiratory droplets can also transmit the virus, especially through prolonged face-to-face interactions. This makes households and healthcare settings particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.

In addition to direct contact, mpox can spread through contact with infected animals, particularly rodents and primates. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms and Severity

Mpox presents with symptoms similar to but milder than smallpox. The incubation period typically ranges from 6 to 13 days, but can be as long as 21 days. Early symptoms include fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Within 1 to 3 days of the onset of fever, a rash typically develops, starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash progresses through several stages, from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised lesions), vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules, and finally scabs that fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

While most cases of mpox are mild and self-limiting, severe cases can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The case fatality rate of mpox has historically ranged from 1% to 10%, depending on the strain of the virus and the health care available. However, the case fatality rate in recent outbreaks outside Africa has been significantly lower, thanks to better healthcare and supportive care.

The Global Spread and Concerns of a Pandemic

The current outbreak of mpox has been unusual in its geographic spread. Cases have been reported in numerous countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East—regions where the virus is not typically found. The WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency reflects concerns about the potential for mpox to spread further if control measures are not implemented promptly.

Experts caution that while the global spread of mpox is concerning, the chances of it developing into a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19 are lower. This is due in part to the nature of the virus, which spreads less efficiently than respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the availability of vaccines and antivirals that are effective against mpox (due to its similarity to smallpox) provides a means to control the outbreak if distributed and administered effectively.

However, the situation remains fluid. The rapid spread of mpox into non-endemic regions suggests that the virus can exploit gaps in public health infrastructure and may cause significant disruptions if not managed properly. Public health authorities are working to contain the outbreak through vaccination campaigns, contact tracing, isolation of cases, and public awareness initiatives.

The WHO’s Response and Global Efforts

In response to the outbreak, the WHO has urged countries to intensify surveillance, ensure prompt case detection, and implement robust public health measures. The organization has also called for international collaboration in research and development to better understand the virus and its transmission dynamics.

The declaration of a global health emergency also unlocks resources and funding, enabling a more coordinated global response. It sends a clear signal to governments and health agencies worldwide to prioritize mpox in their public health agendas.

Conclusion

The mpox outbreak is a stark reminder of the global interconnectedness of public health and the importance of vigilance in the face of emerging infectious diseases. While the current risk of a global pandemic appears to be low, the situation demands a proactive and coordinated response to prevent further spread and to protect vulnerable populations.

As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of mpox serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of zoonotic diseases and the critical need for preparedness in global health.