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In recent months, the spread of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has garnered significant attention worldwide. While the memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are still fresh in our minds, it’s understandable that the news of another viral disease might trigger anxiety. Fears of another pandemic might be the loudest voices in the room at the moment, but the best thing you can do is to arm yourself with the facts.
So, here’s what you need to know about Mpox. 

What is Mpox and how is it spread?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox is a “viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus.” 
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys that were kept for research, which is how it originally got the name "Monkeypox". 

Mpox is mainly spread when you are in close contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be spread by touching contaminated items like bedding or clothing. The Mpox virus can enter the human body via broken skin, the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, or mouth. A variant called clade II is primarily spread through sexual contact (more details below).

Good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected animals, and staying isolated when you are infected can help prevent the spread of the virus.

The 2022 and 2023 Mpox outbreaks and spread

There are two types of the Mpox virus, called Clade I and Clade II. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Clade I outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the individuals who have contracted the virus, Clade II is less severe. More than 99.9% of people infected with this variant survive.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) states that the Clade IIb sub-clade “is the strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak and is primarily transmitted through sex.”

Clade Ib is a new strain of the disease that was discovered in September 2023 that initially spread extensively in The Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.

South Africa has reported 5 cases in of Clade II in 2022 and 24 cases in 2024, as of August 2024. No cases of Clade I have been reported in South Africa as of August 2024.

“The mode of transmission and the high-risk population groups distinguish the deadlier Clade I strain from Clade II. In addition to sexual contact, Clade Ia is transmitted through household contact and contact with contaminated animals. The new variant, Clade Ib, seems to spread more easily through routine close contact, as evidenced by the number of children affected by the outbreak,” the NICD states.

Mpox symptoms

Mpox symptoms typically begin within a week after exposure. Some have reported symptoms starting as soon as one (1) day after exposure, or as late as 21 days. First symptoms can vary, starting either with the tell-tale rash, or with flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat and muscle ache.

While the Mpox virus is related to the smallpox virus, one of the distinguishing differences of Mpox is swollen lymph nodes, which usually doesn’t appear in smallpox cases.

The Mpox rash usually starts on the infected person’s face before spreading to the rest of their body, including the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. The rash goes through different stages, of which more details are included below.

Unfortunately, Mpox can be fatal. Possible complications from Mpox include:

• pneumonia
• loss of vision
• difficulty swallowing
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• infections of the blood, brain, heart, rectum, genital organs and/or urinary passages

The 5 stages of Mpox rash

One of the main symptoms of Mpox is a severe rash that spreads across the body. It progresses in five stages, and symptoms can last for almost a month.

Stage 1 – Macule
The rash presents as flat, red spots that last for 1-2 days.

Stage 2 – Papule
The flat, red spots become hard, raised bumps. This too lasts for 1-2 days.

Stage 3 – Vesicle
The hard bumps then become larger and fill with a clear fluid. This looks like large blisters, and last for 1-2 days.

Stage 4 – Pustule
The large blisters then eventually fill with pus, which lasts for 5-7 days. 

Stage 5 – Scabs
Lastly, the blisters eventually drain of their pus, and scab over. These scabs last for 7-14 days before eventually falling off. 

Who is susceptible to Mpox?

Anyone can become infected with Mpox, however, like many diseases and illnesses, children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are all at a much higher risk for serious illness or death due, mainly due to possible complications from Mpox.

Additionally, Mpox can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her foetus via the placenta. This is known as congenital Mpox. Even if this doesn’t happen, a mother can still infect her newborn through close contact during and after birth.

Healthcare workers, by nature of their job, are also at high risk of exposure.

Mpox treatment

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for Mpox. Current treatment focuses on taking care of the rash and preventing it from becoming infected, managing pain, and preventing any of the possible complications.

However, prevention is and will always be key. The Mpox vaccine can help prevent infection and is currently recommended for anyone who is at high-risk of becoming infected. The first 10 000 Mpox vaccines are scheduled to arrive in South Africa in September 2024.

Will Mpox become a pandemic like COVID-19?

The memories of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns still linger fresh in the minds of many people across the world. So, the possibility of another pandemic may be triggering early alarm bells. Mpox and COVID-19 are, however, very different, especially with regard to the transmission, symptoms and severity of the two viruses.

COVID-19 is primarily an airborne disease. This means that it is easily spread through tiny respiratory droplets. Mpox on the other hand requires closer and more prolonged contact for the virus to be transmitted. 

While Mpox is a serious disease, it isn’t the disease itself that usually results in death, but complications form the disease, like infections of the blood, brain, and more.
The chances of the current outbreak of Mpox becoming a global pandemic on the scale of COVID-19 are, therefore, slim.

Staying informed about Mpox

The most important thing you can do is to practice good hygiene and the stay informed. The NICD publishes all updates about Mpox on its website at https://www.nicd.ac.za/mpox-updates/. It’s a great resource that will help you understand the current outbreak and if there are any changes to travel advisories or prevention.

References: 
Mpox. WHO. 2024. Available here.
Mpox Updated. NICD. Accessed 2024. Available here.
Mpox. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 2024. Available here.
About Mpox. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 2024. Available here.
Will mpox trigger a COVID-like pandemic? Experts agree it's 'concerning' but not the same. Euronews. 2024. Available here.