Mpox Outbreak: What's Changed Since the Last One?

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” as of August 14. This declaration comes in light of the alarming rise in cases across Africa, which has reported over 15,000 infections and 537 deaths this year alone. The strain currently causing concern is identified as clade Ib, with its presence confirmed in countries such as Sweden and Thailand. Interestingly, this isn't the first time mpox, previously termed monkeypox in the U.S., has been labeled a global health emergency; the same classification was made in 2022 during an outbreak that affected nearly 100,000 individuals worldwide, including 33,000 Americans. So, what sets the current situation apart from the 2022 outbreak? Let’s delve into insights from infectious disease experts.

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which shares symptoms with smallpox, albeit generally milder. Transmission can occur through close contact, including sexual interactions, as specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's also possible to contract the virus by touching contaminated items like sheets, towels, and clothing. Interestingly, individuals infected with mpox usually don’t exhibit symptoms for three to 17 days. Subsequently, they may experience flu-like symptoms, followed by the emergence of a distinctive rash that might appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or around the genitals. While most patients recover naturally, it’s important to note that the illness can be severe.

The WHO’s recent declaration was prompted by a sharp increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and various neighboring nations. Historically, mpox is more prevalent in central and west Africa, with two main clades identified: clade I and clade II. Clade I is linked to the ongoing outbreak, noted for its potential to cause more severe disease compared to clade II.

“The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very concerning,” stated WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyes