Monkeypox
Is the world facing another global health crisis, mirroring the shadows of the past? The resurgence of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, and its declaration as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a resounding "yes."
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has re-emerged as a significant public health concern. Its spread, primarily through close contact, triggers a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, potentially leading to severe illness and lasting scars. The WHO, acting on the advice of its International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, has once again raised the alarm, echoing a similar declaration made in July 2022 when the disease had already infiltrated over 70 countries that had previously remained untouched by its reach.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Disease Name | Mpox (Monkeypox) |
| Cause | Monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus |
| Transmission | Primarily through close contact (skin-to-skin, respiratory droplets) |
| Symptoms | Rash (blisters that crust over), fever, swollen lymph nodes |
| Severity | Can range from mild to severe; may cause scars |
| Global Health Emergency Declarations | Declared in July 2022 and recently re-declared |
| Origin | West and Central Africa, endemic in several countries |
| Animal Host | Rodents and nonhuman primates (e.g., monkeys) |
| Virus Classification | Two clades: Clade I and Clade II |
| 2022 Outbreak | Predominantly driven by Clade II, leading to widespread cases globally |
| Treatment | Symptomatic relief for most; no specific approved treatment |
| Prevention | Vaccination with two doses |
| WHO Involvement | Declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) |
| Known history of the Virus | The Monkeypox virus was discovered in Denmark in 1958. |
For further details, please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/
Mpox, an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, presents a complex challenge. It's a viral infection with the ability to spread between individuals, primarily through close contact. Occasionally, it can also spread from the environment to people via items and surfaces touched by someone infected. The origins of the disease, despite its original naming, remain shrouded in mystery. The virus can spread to humans from animals, such as rodents or nonhuman primates, and from person to person, adding another layer of complexity to the fight against the disease.
The declaration of a global health emergency by the WHO underscores the severity of the situation. The last time the WHO made such a call was in 2022. It's a cousin of smallpox, and the monkeypox virus was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark. Since the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the end of smallpox vaccination globally, mpox has steadily emerged in Central, East, and West Africa, indicating the need for ongoing vigilance and resources for affected areas.
The symptoms associated with mpox include a distinctive rash that transforms into blisters before crusting over, accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. This contagious rash illness, spread mainly through close personal contact with an infected individual, ranges in severity from mild to severe. The best defense against mpox is vaccination, ideally with both doses, to minimize the risk of infection. Notably, there are two identified types of the monkeypox virus: Clade I and Clade II, each contributing differently to the overall disease landscape.
In 2022, the disease experienced a global outbreak, though it has subsided in regions like Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Nevertheless, there are areas in Africa where the cases continue to rise. With the resurgence, the WHO has once again recognized mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, indicating the gravity of the situation, especially considering that an ongoing surge in mpox cases is occurring.
The recent response from the WHO, reinstating the status of mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a public health emergency of international concern, reflects a concerted global effort to manage a large and ongoing outbreak. The ongoing spread of the disease poses a considerable risk to public health.
Mpox is a rare disease found mainly in central and western Africa. However, a more contagious version of the virus continues to spread globally. Monkeypox, a zoonotic illness, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which falls under the orthopoxvirus family, sharing similarities with the variola, vaccinia, and cowpox viruses. Since its initial detection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, the disease has caused sporadic infections and outbreaks, primarily restricted to some countries in West and Central Africa. It is important to note that "monkeypox" is not new, and the virus is endemic in several countries.
The declaration of a global health emergency this month underscores the urgency of the situation, the virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is spreading quickly in parts of Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries. Despite the severity, current treatment methods are limited, and there is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections. However, supportive care and pain management can help in the recovery of most patients who do not have severe symptoms.
