M-pox was once an obscure virus confined to certain regions of Africa. But recently it has become a global public health concern. First identified in 1958 when outbreaks occurred among monkeys used for research, the virus spread from animals to humans. Hence its name. M-pox is a zoonotic disease caused by the M-pox virus. It’s a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, though less severe. The 2022 outbreak, which spread globally outside endemic regions, highlighted the need for increased awareness and public health interventions.
Origins and Transmission
M-pox, found in Central and West African countries, has cases linked to close contact with infected animals. Particularly rodents and primates. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, fluids, or skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close physical contact. Either respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing.
The virus has two genetic clades: the Central African (Congo Basin) clade, which is more severe, and the West African clade. Before 2022, cases outside of Africa were rare and usually linked to travel. But, in 2022, m-pox cases were reported in many countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, raising concerns over its global spread.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
M-pox shares many similarities with smallpox but is generally less fatal. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and exhaustion. A key difference between m-pox and smallpox is the presence of swollen lymph nodes in m-pox patients. After the initial symptoms, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs, before falling off.
The infection usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, with most people recovering. But, severe cases can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. In the Congo Basin clade, the mortality rate can be as high as 10%, while the West African clade has a lower mortality rate of around 1%.
Diagnosis is confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which detects viral DNA in patient samples, usually from skin lesions. Other diagnostic methods include serological tests and viral culture, though PCR remains the most reliable method.
Prevention and Treatment
Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and care is supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms. Antiviral medications like Tecovirimat, developed for smallpox, have been used in some cases with promising results, but further research is needed to confirm their efficacy for m-pox.
Vaccination plays a key role in prevention. The smallpox vaccine can to offer some cross-protection against m-pox, as the viruses are related. In fact, people who received the smallpox vaccine before its discontinuation in the 1980s have some level of immunity to m-pox. The newer vaccine, JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex), has been approved for use against m-pox and smallpox and is being deployed in affected regions.
Besides vaccination, public health measures are essential for preventing the spread of m-pox. This includes isolating infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients. Avoiding contact with animals in affected areas and ensuring that animal products are cooked are also key strategies for reducing the risk of infection.
The Global Response
The 2022 outbreak underscored the need for a coordinated global response to emerging zoonotic diseases. Countries around the world ramped up surveillance, testing, and vaccination campaigns to contain the virus. Public health authorities emphasized the importance of early detection and rapid response to prevent m-pox from becoming endemic outside of Africa.
In conclusion, while m-pox has been a rare disease. Its recent spread to non-endemic countries has highlighted the importance of vigilance in public health. Continued research, vaccination efforts, and global cooperation will be critical in managing and preventing future outbreaks.