Why is Mpox spreading faster: What all you need to know

Originally discovered in the late 1950s, the virus was misattributed to monkeys because it was first identified in a laboratory setting in Denmark. However, researchers now believe that rodents are the primary reservoir of the virus.

Origins and evolution of Mpox

Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over the decades, cases of mpox have appeared sporadically in various African countries, with occasional outbreaks in non-African regions due to international travel and the import of infected animals.

Until recently, the virus was primarily confined to parts of Central and West Africa, where it is endemic.

In the past three to four years, scientists have observed changes in the mpox virus that have made it more capable of human-to-human transmission.

Genetic analysis suggests that the virus may have accumulated mutations that enhance its ability to infect humans and spread within populations.

Why is Mpox spreading more rapidly?

Recent outbreaks have alarmed global health officials due to the speed at which the virus is spreading, particularly in African nations.

In August 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared a public health emergency over a new variant of mpox that has led to a surge in cases and fatalities in countries including the DRC, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda.

The increasing spread of mpox is partly attributed to its zoonotic nature—diseases that originate in animals and spill over to humans.

Once mpox makes this jump, it can spread between humans through close physical contact with infected individuals, their bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.

Unlike the highly transmissible COVID-19 virus, mpox requires more prolonged and direct contact for transmission.

The Impact and future of Mpox

The severity of mpox infections can vary, with the clade I strain responsible for the DRC outbreak being more deadly, boasting a mortality rate of around 10%.

While vaccines developed for smallpox are up to 80% effective against mpox, the unequal distribution of vaccines, particularly in African countries, has raised concerns about the global response to the outbreak.

With the virus evolving and spreading more efficiently, health experts emphasize the importance of monitoring potential zoonotic threats and investing in capacity-building efforts in countries where these diseases are endemic.

(With inputs from BBC)