Understanding Mpox: What You Need to Know About the Emerging Virus.

What is Mpox? Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, belonging to the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox. Those infected with Mpox typically develop a rash that progresses through several stages, including scabbing, before healing. It’s important to note that Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

As a zoonotic disease, Mpox can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, where small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals have been identified as potential carriers. These animals are believed to be the origin of the virus.

Where Was Mpox First Discovered? The Monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 among monkeys used for research in a laboratory in Denmark. Despite the name, the exact source of the virus remains unknown. Human cases were first reported in 1970 in Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that the virus spread globally, marking a significant shift as prior cases were typically linked to travel or the importation of animals from endemic regions.

When and Why Was the Disease Renamed Mpox? In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the disease from monkeypox to Mpox in alignment with modern guidelines for disease naming. These guidelines are designed to avoid names that could be offensive or have negative impacts on various aspects of society, including trade, travel, and animal welfare. Despite the renaming, the virus itself retains its historic name.

How Many Types of the Virus Exist? There are currently two recognized types of the Monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II.

• Clade I: Known for causing more severe illness and higher mortality rates, with some outbreaks resulting in up to 10% of fatalities among those infected. It is primarily found in Central Africa.
• Clade II: Responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022. Infections caused by Clade II are generally less severe, with more than 99.9% of individuals recovering fully. This type is endemic to West Africa.

How Can the Virus Be Spread? Mpox can be transmitted through several routes, including:

• Direct contact with infected animals.
• Close skin-to-skin contact, including handshakes and sexual contact, with an infected person.
• Contact with contaminated clothing or materials used by someone with the virus.

What Are the Risks of Severe Disease? While Mpox is generally not life-threatening, certain individuals are at higher risk of severe illness:

1. People with severely weakened immune systems.
2. Children under one year of age.
3. Individuals with a history of eczema.
4. Pregnant women.

How Can Mpox Be Prevented? Prevention of Mpox involves several key strategies:

1. Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash resembling Mpox and with animals known to carry the virus.
2. Limiting physical greetings, such as handshakes.
3. Steering clear of crowded places where the risk of transmission through touch is higher.
4. Vaccination, when available, can also serve as a preventative measure against infection.

This information is adapted from the WHO website and other reliable sources. Understanding Mpox is crucial as we navigate the evolving landscape of global health.