Health explainer: All you need to know about Mpox virus, the latest global epidemic

Mpox previously known as monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus MPXV a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus The World Health Organization WHO on Wednesday declared a global health emergency with Mpox spreading rapidly across 13 African countries including Congo where 14000 cases and 524 deaths have been reportedThere are two distinct genetic clades of this virus Clade I and Clade II The disease often characterised by painful rashes fever and swollen lymph nodes primarily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals animals or contaminated materialsHistorically the virus was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research in Denmark with the first human case reported from Congo in 1970 After the eradication of smallpox in 1980 Mpox began to emerge in Central East and West Africa leading to sporadic outbreaks A significant global outbreak occurred between 2022 and 2023 primarily caused by the Clade IIb strainMpox spreads from person to person through direct contact with infectious lesions respiratory droplets or contaminated objects like bedding or clothing It can also be transmitted from animals to humans through bites scratches or consumption of infected animals The virus enters the body through broken skin mucosal surfaces or the respiratory tract Highrisk groups include people with multiple sexual partners and those in close contact with infected individuals or animalsSymptoms typically appear within 121 days after exposure and may last 24 weeks The disease commonly starts with fever muscle aches and sore throat followed by a rash that progresses through several stages including macules papules vesicles and pustules before crusting over and falling off The rash can appear anywhere on the body including the face mouth genitals and anus Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes is a classic symptom of MpoxDiagnosing Mpox involves differentiating it from similar conditions like chickenpox measles and other skin infections Polymerase chain reaction PCR testing of skin lesion material is the preferred diagnostic method Blood testing is generally not recommended and antibody detection methods may not be useful in distinguishing Mpox from other orthopoxvirusesTreatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications Vaccination especially for highrisk groups like healthcare workers and men who have sex with men is recommended to prevent infection Several antivirals such as tecovirimat originally developed for smallpox have been used to treat Mpox and further studies are ongoingPreventing the spread of Mpox involves avoiding close contact with infected individuals practicing good hygiene and isolating infected persons until they are no longer contagious Vaccination within four days of exposure can help prevent infection and condoms can reduce but not eliminate the risk of transmissionThe global outbreak in 2022 led to the World Health Organization WHO declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern PHEIC on July 23 2022 The outbreak primarily affected men who have sex with men highlighting the importance of targeted public health interventionsMpox remains a concern due to its potential for severe complications particularly in children pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems Continued surveillance vaccination and public health efforts are crucial to controlling and preventing future outbreaks