Mpox is a disease that has had recent outbreaks predominantly due to travel and physical contact between both humans and animals. This disease or virus consists of small bumps on the skin and rashes around the entire body commonly compared with smallpox.
The first human case was detected in the 70s and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most recent outbreaks began in 2023 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Previously, mpox had been spread mainly in Central and Western Africa mostly by animals obtaining infections. This year however, the number of mpox cases has risen and has traveled into the United States. There have been more than 500 cases of mpox in 2024, viewing the CDC’s weekly table.
More recently, the first known case of a new strain was reported from an individual returning from Africa. This new strand remains low risk but is still obtainable. The patient who tested positive is currently being treated in San Mateo County and is isolating with little symptoms according to the New York Post.
“Most people don’t get vaccinated for smallpox anymore, which in this case means that most people wouldn’t have extra resistance to mpox as a side effect,” stated AP biology teacher Colleen O’Rourke.
While the majority of cases are adults and those in physical contact with others, there is high risk to children and those who suffer from previous health issues, “the very young–who are still developing their immune systems–or the very old–who have severely weakened immune systems–are far more at risk of developing severe complications,” said O’Rourke.
Although it is not as lethal as Covid–19 for example, mpox is still transmissible and can be passed on. Concerns of mpox having a similar impact as Covid–19, an airborne virus, are less critical because mpox is transferred purely through contact.
“The way that mpox spreads from contact is not as scary as if it were spread by the air,” said Dr. Caroline Gochoco-Tsuyuki.
Lastly, in regards to vaccinations, there are no direct vaccines for mpox, however, doctors are supplying patients with a medicine that is also used to treat smallpox; a virus with similar effects.
Some primary symptoms of the disease that indicate a need for testing are fevers, headaches, and body aches.
“Mpox has a high enough profile right now that everybody should be informed about it…access information from the CDC because they have all kinds of informative videos and reader material,” mentioned Dr. Gochoco-Tsuyuki.
Although there is no direct treatment as of now, remaining informed is crucial in order to subside the number of mpox cases in prevention of a larger outbreak.
