Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, primarily affects both humans and animals, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While generally causing milder symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, it can lead to severe cases and even death.
Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox spreads through close contact, including sexual contact, with an infected person or animal. The virus enters the body through broken skin or airways, leading to flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. Michael Marks from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine highlights that mpox does not have long-term impacts on the immune system. “Beyond the fact that all infections obviously transiently cause responses in the immune system, we don’t believe there are long-term impacts on the immune system from mpox,” Marks stated.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff at Africa CDC, noted that mpox symptoms typically last “two to four weeks.” “It’s a disease. Whether you get the severe form – then it leads to death – or you just recover [in] two to four weeks. Everything goes back to normal,” Ngongo explained. The virus spreads through contact with skin lesions, skin-to-skin contact, or respiratory droplets. Marks emphasized that skin-to-skin contact is the most significant mode of transmission, as the virus remains detectable on skin lesions for about three weeks.
Risks and Vulnerable Populations
Human-to-animal transmission usually occurs through bites, scratches, or contact with an infected animal’s wounds. While the disease generally causes mild symptoms, severe cases can be fatal. Those with untreated HIV, weakened immune systems, or children are at higher risk of severe disease, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and higher likelihood of direct contact with others.
Vaccination and Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for mpox, although antiviral drugs are being tested. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in reducing risk. However, a vaccine available during the 2022 outbreak in Western countries remains out of reach for poorer African nations. Ngongo highlighted the disparity, saying, “There is no vaccine in Africa. Whatever is left of that vaccine is stockpiled in the West as part of their own emergency preparedness. But we have an ongoing emergency here.”
Africa CDC has secured 280,000 doses through donations, but since two doses are required, only 140,000 people can be vaccinated. Ngongo advised people to practice basic personal hygiene, such as washing hands and avoiding contact with those who are sick. He also encouraged those displaying symptoms to seek medical attention to contain the virus.
Global Response and Future Outlook
With resources concentrated in wealthier countries, scientists believe that quick identification of new outbreaks linked to Congo could help control transmission. However, the “major risk” remains in central Africa, where the epidemic continues to spread. Marks stressed the need for ongoing vigilance: “There are likely to be small numbers of cases exported further afield, as [in] the Swedish case, but the major risk and the focus for action needs to be on central Africa.” He also urged people to act with the same caution as during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent further spread.
As the world responds to the ongoing mpox epidemic, global solidarity and resource allocation remain key to controlling and ultimately overcoming the virus.
