Mpox – MonkeyPox Disease WHO Clarifies Misconceptions Amid the COVID-19 Comparisons With
With pandemics coming up and new infectious diseases from different parts of the world, it is undoubtedly necessary to get more clarification on public health issues, especially with some viruses, like Mpox, that have been identified. WHO has been on the move to address misinformation, especially on whether pox could be a COVID-19 variant. These claims have been dismissed in recent statements by WHO officials, who point out that, in all reality, a few similarities exist in the public response to the viruses. Still, mpox is decidedly different in many other ways.
This piece of content will consider pox’s scientific and epidemiological background, the latest developments, and WHO’s position concerning how the virus shall be controlled. It will also help to further understanding by elaborating on the differences between pox and COVID-19 and WHO’s strategies for containing the pox virus.
What is Mpox (MonkeyPox)?
Human Mpox, previously known as MonkeyPox, is a viral zoonotic disease. It was initially identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys; hence, this name was used for the etiological agent, “MonkeyPox.” It is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same as the variola virus, one of the responsible factors for smallpox, and the vaccinia virus, the chief content of a smallpox vaccine.
Mpox is an illness with symptoms characteristic of smallpox but generally milder. Illness signatures include fever, malaise, and a maculopapular rash, most often beginning on the face before spreading to other areas of the body. Although not a novel disease, it has recently captured the world’s attention in 2022, as it has spread to areas outside the endemic regions and assumed proportions of global concern.
The Recent Outbreak and Misconceptions
In 2023, the sudden surge in cases of Mpox, especially in Europe, North America, and other nonendemic regions, caused pandemonium globally. It immediately drew comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic, which was still fresh in public memory. Most people wondered whether Mpox could have been a new variant of COVID-19, given that both are viral infections and have more or less the exact nature of preventive measures.
However, according to WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, Mpox is unrelated to COVID-19. Both are viruses but of very different families. While COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the viruses from the coronavirus family, Mpox is of the Orthopoxvirus kind. The transmission, symptoms, and overall impact caused by the two diseases are very different.
Dealing with the Clade 1b Variant
A new variant of Mpox, called Clade 1b, was isolated during the outbreak. With this variant, there was a study of its transmissibility and effect, to which the WHO was swift to assure the public that there is nothing really to panic about since, according to WHO, Clade 1b is still manageable with the current public health measures and knowledge.
Naturally, developing new variants is also quite normal for viral epidemics. In the same way that SARS-CoV-2 developed several variants—from Delta to Omicron—so could the Mpox virus if it exists. However, this should not necessarily mean that Mpox mutates into something as infectious or virulent as COVID-19.
WHO’s Stand: No to Mass Vaccination or Lockdowns
The main fundamental difference between mpox and COVID-19 would be how these diseases are transmitted. The main route through which COVID-19 is spread is through the air, which manifests quickly in crowded places. Hence, interventions included lockdowns and mass vaccination campaigns, among others. In contrast, Mpox transmits through close physical contact with infected persons or contaminated supplies, posing relatively less risk for the general public.
Dr. Kluge stressed that pox does not warrant mass vaccination or lockdowns. According to WHO, vaccination should be done among risk groups: health workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and others in close contact with confirmed cases. The strategy is efficient and ensures a minimal burden on public health.
WHO is pursuing approaches to contain pox by educating the population, promptly detecting the first few cases, and isolating them to prevent mass outbreaks. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in informing people about misinformation and furnishing them with correct facts on the mode of transmission of the virus. Education is most needed in nonendemic regions where the public may be uninformed about the virus.
Besides targeted vaccination, WHO underscores that hygiene, tracing of contacts, and isolation of confirmed cases should be considered. In contrast to the case of COVID-19, where asymptomatic carriers played a significant role in spreading the virus, the mobility of Mpox-carrying profiles without symptoms is less likely to lead to transmission. It readily facilitates the possibility of case finding to ease the containment efforts.
While mass vaccination is not required for pox, vaccines are crucial for the control of pox outbreaks. Since Smallpox and mpox viruses are very similar, it is known that some of the vaccines developed for smallpox are effective against mpox, and several studies have proven the same. Indeed, introducing pox in a new biological warfare situation will likely have different effects. However, countries with smallpox vaccine stockpiles can almost instantly respond to a pox outbreak by providing vaccination.
Vaccination can afford critical protection for such populations, particularly in healthcare. The WHO thus encourages countries to focus on the mentioned groups to ensure the spread of the virus is minimized without using general measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The response to pox has shown how vital international cooperation is in managing infectious diseases. WHO has stood for coordinating efforts between countries to ensure that resources are directed at the most needed areas. For instance, international donations helped contain a local outbreak in regions with a critical fall in vaccine supply.
In Europe, where most of the recent pox cases have been reported, WHO’s Regional Office has been responsible for liaising with national health authorities and advising. It has averted what could have been a more significant public health catastrophe.
Lessons for COVID-19
Lessons from the impacts experienced across the board because of the COVID-19 pandemic on infectious disease management have equally been applied to managing pox. Public health officers step up their watch to identify and react to any new outbreaks and increase openness through shared information and research findings.
However, this is challenging. Warnings about and adherence to protective measures recommended by health agencies have begun to wear the public out, leading to disbelief and unfounded conspiracy theories. Therefore, WHO and other health organizations are confronted with the task of keeping public opinion in check when it comes to being vigilant but without any unnecessary overreaction bordering on fear.
Looking Forward: Preparedness and Prevention
Much of the concern has shifted from the acute phases of outbreak containment to long-term preparedness and prevention. WHO insists on strengthening healthcare systems and disease surveillance and making vaccines and treatments available to all.
Further research continues on the possible mutations of the virus and how it is spread, in collaboration with partners, WHO commits to providing revised advice based on new information to help countries adjust strategies to prevent new incidences.
Conclusion
Thus, the Mpox outbreak of 2023 is another example of the fact that the world cannot remain indifferent to threats from the most unexpected sources. However, as the reaction of WHO has demonstrated, only some emergent diseases are as dangerous as COVID-19 and apply the same strict measures as during the pandemic. If bold, specific, coordinated efforts can be applied to Mpox—informational, international ones—then Mpox can be controlled.
The World Health Organization’s reassurance that Mpox is not a new variant of COVID-19 helps dispel fears and refocus efforts on practical solutions. Understanding the distinctions between these two viruses is essential for public health, ensuring that responses are proportionate to the risks. As the world continues to navigate a landscape shaped by pandemics and emerging diseases, these lessons will be crucial for future resilience.
