Mpox Virus today  Situation

Overview

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, hence the name. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Where has mpox spread?

So far, four countries – Sweden, Thailand, Philippines and Pakistan – have reported mpox cases outside the African continent. Fourteen countries in Africa have reported

 Global Outbreak:

 The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Mpox outbreaks as a public health emergency of international concern. The virus continues to spread across multiple countries, new cases being reported regularly 

Transmission

Mpox can spread through several routes:

• Animal to Human: Direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. This includes handling infected monkeys, Gambian pouched rats, and squirrels.
• Human to Human: Close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person, or recently contaminated objects. Transmission can also occur via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Contaminated Objects: Touching items like clothing, bedding, or towels used by an infected person can also spread the virus.

Symptoms

The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms are divided into two periods:

1. Invasion Period (0-5 days):

   • Fever
   • Intense headache
   • Lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes)
   • Back pain
   • Myalgia (muscle aches)
   • Intense asthenia (lack of energy)

2. Skin Eruption Period (within 1-3 days after fever onset):

   • Rash, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash evolves from macules (flat lesions) to papules (raised lesions), vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules (pus-filled blisters), and finally scabs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and can be confirmed by laboratory testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred laboratory test given its accuracy and sensitivity.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Mpox. However, the smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used to control outbreaks. Supportive care and symptomatic treatment are essential.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus.
• Practicing good hygiene and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals.
• Isolating infected patients from others who could be at risk.
• Using smallpox vaccines, which have shown to be effective in preventing Mpox.

Current Situation

Recent years have seen an increase in Mpox cases outside of Africa, with outbreaks reported in various countries. This has raised concerns about the virus’s potential to spread more widely. Efforts are ongoing to monitor and control these outbreaks through vaccination campaigns and public health measures.