Understanding the Recent Mpox Outbreak: A Global Health Perspective
The mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, has been recognized in the scientific community since 1970. On August 14, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international concern, highlighting its increasing spread and severity. From January to early August 2023, over 14,000 suspected cases have emerged worldwide, particularly in Central and West Africa, with 511 deaths reported due to the virus, surpassing all cases recorded throughout the previous year.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing an outbreak linked to a new variant of mpox, designated as 1b, which appears more contagious and dangerous than its predecessors. While imported cases in Italy and other European countries have been low and primarily related to travel, Sweden has reported the sole case of this new variant outside of Africa, prompting health officials to monitor the situation closely.
Transmission of the mpox virus occurs through prolonged close contact with an infected individual or through contaminated objects. Contrary to common belief, mpox is not solely transmitted sexually, although sexual contact remains a significant mode of spread. The virus can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, underscoring its potential danger to vulnerable populations.
Symptoms of mpox range from mild to severe and typically manifest within one week of infection, lasting from two to four weeks. Common symptoms include skin rashes, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The characteristic rashes often start on the face and can develop into painful blisters. Individuals infected with the virus remain contagious until completely healed, heightening the need for vigilance in outbreak management.
There are two main strains of the virus acknowledged by the WHO: clade I and clade II. Clade I, predominantly found in Central Africa, exhibits more severe symptoms compared to clade II, which is associated with the recent European outbreaks. The new variant, though still not fully understood, is thought to be particularly virulent and is spreading rapidly through sexual networks in affected regions.
Current healthcare facilities in Central Africa face significant resource limitations, complicating efforts to monitor and manage mpox effectively. These limitations contribute to a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia, corneal infections, and, in severe cases, death—especially among children, who are disproportionately affected.
In Sweden, the infected individual is currently hospitalized, and while treatment does not pose a risk to the local community, the WHO European division has called for countries to remain vigilant, as additional imported cases may emerge in the near future. The urgency of the situation has prompted discussions about the necessity of large-scale vaccination campaigns against mpox. Currently, two vaccines have been authorized for use; however, wider distribution remains a challenge, particularly in the DRC and neighboring countries.
The WHO aims to collect donations and collaborate with vaccine manufacturers to ensure sufficient vaccine supply reaches areas in greatest need, with the declaration of an international emergency status expected to enhance collaborative efforts in combating the spread of mpox.
Vaccination efforts in Europe commenced in August 2022 during a prior outbreak, focusing on high-risk populations, including laboratory workers and individuals who had been in contact with infected persons. The previous naming of the virus as monkeypox was changed to mpox to prevent stigmatization linked to its origins, which had been misused in various contexts online. This shift highlights the importance of sensitivity in public health communication.
As the global health community continues to monitor the mpox virus, understanding its transmission dynamics, clinical implications, and strategies for effective prevention and control remains paramount. Collaboration between nations is essential for curbing its spread and protecting global public health.
Related Sources: