In recent years, the global health community has faced several viral outbreaks, and among them is mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. First identified in humans in the 1970s, mpox has remained largely confined to specific regions in Central and West Africa. However, since 2022, it has begun to spread more widely, raising concerns about its potential to escalate into a larger public health crisis. So, how worried should we be about mpox today?
Understanding Mpox
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Although it is generally less severe than smallpox, mpox is still a serious illness that warrants attention.
Symptoms usually begin with fever, fatigue, and body aches, and progress to a distinctive rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The illness typically lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. While most patients recover without complications, the disease can be more severe—especially in children, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions.
How Is It Transmitted?
Mpox spreads through close contact between individuals. This includes:
- Direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected person
- Exposure to bodily fluids
- Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interaction
- Contact with objects contaminated with the virus, such as bedding or clothing
Notably, in the most recent outbreaks, a significant number of transmissions have occurred through intimate or sexual contact, although mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
Is Mpox a Global Threat?
Since mid-2022, mpox has spread to dozens of countries where it had not been previously reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 2022, indicating the seriousness of its global reach.
However, by 2023, new cases had started to decline, thanks to enhanced public health responses, targeted vaccination campaigns, and improved awareness. Still, sporadic outbreaks continue to emerge, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare or public information.
Who’s Most At Risk?
While anyone can contract mpox, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- Individuals with close contact to someone showing symptoms
- Healthcare workers without appropriate protective measures
- People in communities where the virus is circulating
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly during outbreak peaks
This higher risk within specific populations has led some health experts to call for more customized public health messaging and interventions.
Vaccination and Treatment Options
There is no treatment specifically approved for mpox, but antivirals developed for smallpox may be effective, such as tecovirimat (also called TPOXX). Supportive care, such as pain relief and hydration, remains the primary treatment for most patients.
A vaccine originally developed for smallpox—JYNNEOS—has been authorized for use against mpox. It can be administered both as a preventive measure and post-exposure. However, vaccine availability remains uneven worldwide.
Should We Be Worried?
While mpox is not currently considered a pandemic-level threat, it is not something to be taken lightly. The virus has demonstrated the ability to spread beyond its traditional confines, and in certain populations, it can lead to severe outcomes.
The general public should be concerned, but not alarmed. Vigilance, swift public health interventions, and education are key to halting further spread. The lessons learned from COVID-19 have fortified many countries’ response capabilities, which has proven crucial in managing mpox outbreaks.
In conclusion, mpox represents a moderate but real public health threat. Individuals should stay informed, heed guidance from local health authorities, and practice safe behaviors. Especially in communities at higher risk, awareness can play a vital role in prevention and containment.
