How dangerous is Mpox? What countries have been effected so far?

What is Mpox?

Mpox, the deadly cousin of the smallpox, has been spreading throughout central Africa in countries it has never been seen in before.

Due to this outbreak, World Health Organisation have declared Mpox - formerly know as Monkey Pox - as a Global Public Health Emergency.

This is the second time in two years the WHO has announced this virus as a Global Public health emergency. This time the an outbreak of a new strain of the virus, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has caused global concern.

Previous outbreaks of Mpox in Africa have not stayed localised to a specific demographic and have infected women, children and men of all ages.

"There are no guardrails. This Virus is not necessarily going to stay within one gender or one population,"

- Professor Anne Rimoin at the University of California Los Angeles School of Public Health.

What countries have been effected?

Sweden

On August 15 Global health officials confirmed the first case of the new strain of Mpox outside of Africa in Sweden.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The current outbreak has seen 27,000 cases with 1,100 deaths since January 2023, mostly amongst children.

Burundi

Burundi's Ministry of Health has investigated and confirmed 61 one cases of Mpox. No deaths have currently been reported.

Kenya

Kenya's health ministry have confirmed one case of Mpox. No deaths have been reported.

Uganda

Uganda has identified two cases of Mpox in the country. Investigations have revealed the transmission of the virus happened outside of the country. No deaths have currently been reported.

How does it spread?

The incubation period of the virus can be from 3-17 days.

Both strains of Mpox can spread through direct contact with infected animals and contaminated materials.

Close contact between between people with actions, such as, kissing, trade of respiratory droplets through talking to some infected, direct contact with infectious skin or lesions on the mouth or genitals.

While the outbreak of Mpox could be amplified by sexual behaviours evidence suggests that Mpox is not an STD and can be transmitted through contact with bedsheets, towels and clothing.

What are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms of the virus include: skin rash or puss filled lesions which can last from two to four weeks, headaches, fevers and muscles aches.

Symptoms often disappear after two weeks but it can be fatal with people with weakened immune systems.

Pregnant women and children are at greater risk from the virus.