Today, I want to dive into the latest developments surrounding the monkeypox outbreak, discussing the current situation and how this infectious disease is impacting our lives. We'll also explore what steps we can take to protect ourselves. While monkeypox isn't a new virus—first receiving global attention from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002—its recent resurgence is cause for concern.
The Latest Monkeypox Alert
On August 14, 2024, the WHO issued another global alert for the monkeypox outbreak, particularly focusing on African nations. According to WHO reports, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring African countries have seen a sharp increase in monkeypox cases. Last year, there was already a noticeable rise, but this year’s numbers have surpassed the total cases from all of last year. As of now, there are 15,600 reported cases worldwide, with 537 resulting in death. Consequently, the WHO has classified the monkeypox outbreak as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC), urging all nations to remain vigilant.
Types of Monkeypox Virus and Transmission Methods
To better understand the current outbreak, it's crucial to know the different types of monkeypox virus and how it spreads. Currently, there are two primary types of monkeypox: Clade I and Clade II.
Clade I Monkeypox
Clade I is mainly found in Central African countries, particularly the DRC. This type typically presents more severe symptoms, including high fever, widespread rashes, and other complications. For those unvaccinated, the mortality rate can reach up to 10%. The virus primarily spreads through contact with infected wild animals or close contact with an infected person, making it particularly prevalent in regions where people frequently interact with wildlife under less-than-ideal sanitary conditions.
Clade II Monkeypox
In contrast, Clade II is primarily found in West Africa and is generally less severe, with a lower mortality rate of 1% to 3%. The 2022 monkeypox outbreak was largely attributed to Clade II. Although it spreads more widely, the lower fatality rate and concentration within specific groups (such as men who have sex with men) have prevented widespread global panic. Transmission methods for Clade II include close contact and sexual transmission, but it is less contagious overall.
Transmission Methods and Preventive Measures
Monkeypox spreads differently than COVID-19. While COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, monkeypox is mainly transmitted through contact. Here are the primary transmission methods:
Animal-to-Human Transmission: This is the earliest and most common method in African countries. Direct contact with an infected animal or being bitten or scratched can lead to infection. This is particularly common in communities that frequently interact with wildlife.
Human-to-Human Transmission: This occurs through prolonged close contact. Direct contact with rashes, bodily fluids, or sexual contact are common methods. Since this transmission requires extended interaction, monkeypox spreads more slowly. Some experts even classify it as a sexually transmitted disease, though not all agree, as other forms of contact can also transmit the virus.
Object-to-Human Transmission: The virus can also spread through contact with objects used by an infected person, such as towels, bedding, or clothing, especially if these items haven't been properly cleaned and disinfected. However, casual contact with these items in everyday life is unlikely to lead to infection unless there's significant viral residue.
Global Concern Over the Outbreak's Spread
Currently, the spread of monkeypox remains largely concentrated in Africa. However, this doesn’t mean other countries can afford to be complacent. Cases have begun to appear sporadically outside of Africa, such as in Sweden, where a case was reported after a patient returned from an affected region in Africa. This suggests that, in our globalized world, the virus could potentially cross borders and spread to other regions.
Notably, recent reports indicate that monkeypox virus has been detected in wastewater in San Francisco. While the specific type of virus has yet to be confirmed, it’s likely Clade II, which has previously been identified in the area. The public should stay informed about the type of monkeypox virus in such reports. If it's Clade II, the risk is relatively low; however, if Clade I is detected outside of Africa, it would warrant significant concern.
Contagion and Prevention Measures
Compared to COVID-19, monkeypox is less contagious. The virus's reproduction number (R0) is less than 1, while COVID-19's R0 is around 5. Therefore, casual contact usually doesn't lead to monkeypox infection. The risk primarily arises from prolonged close contact or direct interaction with an infected individual.
Some people worry about whether monkeypox could lead to widespread outbreaks, especially concerns about scarring post-infection. While it's true that monkeypox can cause rashes and scarring, particularly with Clade I infections, the risk is generally lower with Clade II, which tends to result in milder symptoms and smaller rash areas.
The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid contact with infected individuals and animals. Additionally, using personal items like towels and bedding in public places, such as hotels or pools, can effectively reduce the risk of infection. Wearing long sleeves and pants in hotels and using your own towels and bed linens can also help minimize the chances of infection.
Should You Get the Monkeypox Vaccine?
The question of whether to get vaccinated against monkeypox has generated widespread discussion. While the vaccine does offer some protection, it’s not necessary for everyone. Currently, the limited supply of monkeypox vaccines is prioritized for high-risk groups, such as those traveling to Central African regions or those with close contact with infected individuals. For the general public, widespread vaccination is not yet deemed necessary.
If you plan to travel to high-risk areas or will be in close contact with individuals at risk of monkeypox infection, consider getting vaccinated to reduce your risk.
Although monkeypox has lower transmission rates, its severe symptoms, especially for unvaccinated individuals, require serious attention. We should closely monitor the latest developments in the monkeypox outbreak and take necessary precautions to protect the health of ourselves and our families.