WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Monkeypox: Symptoms, Prevention & More

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox, also known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency on Wednesday. This is the second time in two years that this disease has been designated as a health emergency. The disease has spread in Congo, affecting neighboring countries as well.

Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox. The virus typically does not cause severe effects, but in rare cases, it can be fatal. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and sores filled with pus on the skin. The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus family, which is also responsible for smallpox.

WHO is also concerned because the mortality rate in different Mpox outbreaks varies, often exceeding 10%. It can be more dangerous due to its contagious nature, prompting WHO to issue an alert.

Over 17,000 Mpox Cases Reported in Africa

According to the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), there have been over 17,000 suspected cases of Mpox in Africa this year so far, with 517 deaths. This represents a 160% increase in cases compared to the same period last year. Mpox cases have been reported in a total of 13 countries.

The Virus Spreads Through General Contact

The outbreak in Congo began with a spread of a disease known as Clade I, but a new strain, Clade-Ib, has emerged, spreading rapidly through general contact, including sexual contact. It has spread to neighboring countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting action from WHO.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that it is clear that the world must work together to halt the spread of this disease and save lives. Earlier this week, Africa’s top public health body declared an emergency in Africa due to the Mpox outbreak and warned that the viral infection is spreading at an alarming rate.

What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?

Symptoms of Mpox may appear several days or weeks after contact with the virus. They typically appear 3 to 17 days after exposure. The period between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms is called the incubation period. Symptoms usually last for 2 to 4 weeks.

The first symptom of Mpox is fever. About 1 to 4 days after the onset of fever, sores begin to appear on the skin. These sores often start on the face, then spread to the hands or feet, and later to other parts of the body. In the outbreak cases starting in 2022, sores often began around the genital area. Some people’s sores started in the mouth or throat. Mpox sores go through several stages: initially, the rash turns into sores filled with pus, then scabs form over 2 to 4 weeks and dry out. Sores can appear anywhere on the body, including the mouth, face, hands, feet, genitals, vagina, or anus. Sometimes, they also occur in the throat.

Do All Infected Individuals Exhibit Symptoms?

Not all people with Mpox exhibit all symptoms. Typically, infected individuals experience some symptoms. The sores on the skin are often the only visible sign, while other symptoms might not be apparent until later. Some people might not develop sores at all despite having Mpox. In some cases, sores can be widespread and large, while others may only have a few sores. Some individuals may not realize they have Mpox as their symptoms might be very mild. Despite this, it is still possible for infected individuals to spread the virus to others through close contact.

Who Does Mpox Affect?

The virus can affect anyone, though in Africa, children under 15 years of age have been the most affected. This might be due to the fact that most adults have received smallpox vaccination, which is effective against Mpox. Children, however, have not been vaccinated.

Outside Africa, cases of Mpox are more commonly seen among men who have sex with men. However, the virus also spreads among those who are bisexual or heterosexual.

What Is the Treatment for Mpox?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no specific treatment for Mpox. However, some medications can help control its spread. Certain drugs already available on the market are approved for use in treating Mpox and are effective to a considerable extent. Treatment typically involves the use of cidofovir, ST-246, and vaccinia immune globulin.

Is There a Way to Prevent Mpox?

Several vaccines can protect against the Mpox outbreak. Some vaccines are specifically developed for this, while others, initially developed for smallpox, are also effective.

The JYNNEOSTM vaccine, also available under the names Imvamune or Imvanex, is used extensively in Africa. Data shows that this vaccine is up to 85% effective in preventing Mpox. The smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, has also proven very effective in preventing Mpox. According to WHO, the smallpox vaccine provides significant protection against the Mpox virus. However, since smallpox vaccination programs were discontinued nearly 40 years ago in many countries, people today might lack this protection.