Mpox declares global emergency: How this virus enters the human body

The World Health Organization has declared MPOX a global health emergency for the second time in two years after an outbreak of the viral infection occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to neighboring countries.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was advised by an emergency committee on whether the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

WHAT IS MPOX?

MPOX virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonosis caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), part of the genus Orthopoxvirus.

This virus is endemic in the forest regions of West and Central Africa, but has recently caused worldwide outbreaks in non-endemic countries.

The Mpox virus can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans. Transmission from animals to humans occurs through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or lesions of infected animals, often rodents or primates.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INFECTION?

Transmission from person to person occurs mainly through direct contact with skin injuries, respiratory droplets or contaminated materials such as bedding. The virus can enter the body through injured skin, respiratory tract or mucous membranes.

In the body, the virus replicates in the cytoplasm of host cells. The infection typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, followed by a characteristic skin rash that develops from spots to pustules and crusts within two to four weeks.

The disease usually heals on its own, but severe cases can occur, especially in children or immunocompromised people.

A look back at history

The first case of Mpox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo following possible contact with a zoonosis.

The virus was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, hence the original name “monkeypox”. The exact animal pathogen has not yet been identified, but it is suspected that rodents play a significant role in transmission to humans.

Due to the rapid spread of the virus, especially in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global health emergency.

A new variant is emerging

In 2024, a new variant, clade Ib, emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spread to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

This variant is known for its higher transmissibility and has contributed to a significant increase in cases; in Africa alone, over 17,000 cases and 517 deaths have been reported this year.

The global response to the Mpox outbreak includes efforts to improve surveillance, vaccination and treatment strategies. WHO has approved emergency use authorization for Mpox vaccines to facilitate access in low-income countries.

Despite these challenges, international cooperation aims to contain the virus and prevent further spread.

As the situation evolves, health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak and take measures to protect vulnerable populations and prevent future epidemics.

IS THERE A VACCINE AGAINST MPOX?

The modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine (MVA-BN), sold under various names such as JYNNEOS, Imvamune and Imvanex, is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to prevent MPOX.

The MVA-BN vaccine is a third-generation non-replicating smallpox vaccine. It was originally developed to prevent smallpox, but was approved for use in smallpox vaccination due to the genetic similarities between the two viruses, both of which belong to the genus Orthopoxvirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the MVA-BN vaccine for people who are at higher risk of contracting Mpox. This includes people who have been exposed to the virus or are likely to come into contact with it because of certain risk factors, such as certain sexual behaviors.