In recent years, the world has faced a number of new challenges in the field of health care. One of them was the Mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox. This virus, which at the beginning of the 20th century seemed to be a minor threat, is now causing concern among scientists and medical professionals. With outbreaks spreading not only in Africa, but also in Europe, Asia and the Americas, the question is: could Mpox become a new global pandemic? What do we know about this virus, and how are the countries of the world preparing for possible threats?
Origin and evolution of the Mpox virus
The Mpox virus belongs to the orthomyxovirus family, which also includes the smallpox virus. It was first discovered in 1958 in a colony of monkeys kept for research. However, over time it became known that the virus can also be transmitted to humans. The first documented human case of Mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which remains the epicenter of the disease.
Over the years, the virus continued to circulate in Central and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks. Although most of these cases were localized, globalization and increased international travel meant that Mpox began to spread beyond Africa. In 2024, the number of infections increased significantly, which caused alarm among the world medical community.
Symptoms and course of the disease
Mpox manifests itself in the form of symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, the disease begins with nonspecific symptoms, such as:
- fever;
- severe headache;
- muscle pain;
- lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes).
After a few days, a rash appears, which starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Rashes turn into blisters that fill with liquid, and then into abscesses. In most cases, the disease is self-limiting, but the Clade I strain currently circulating in the DRC has a higher fatality rate, especially among children and immunocompromised individuals.
Spread of the virus – global trends and geography
According to the CDC, by 2024, more than 96% of all Mpox cases and deaths will be in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus is also spreading in neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. However, outbreaks are recorded in other parts of the world. New cases are appearing in Europe and Asia, although so far they are isolated.
This is partly due to the strengthening of control at borders and airports, as well as the active work of medical services to inform the population and monitor morbidity. For example, in Great Britain, the government has established special measures to track passengers arriving from countries where cases of Mpox have been recorded. Similar measures are being taken in the US, where the CDC even monitors sewage to detect the presence of the virus.
Threats and challenges in the fight against the virus
The main threat of Mpox is its ability to spread rapidly among the population in regions with limited access to health services. The lack of sufficient vaccines and limited access to drugs such as Tecovirimate make outbreaks much more difficult, especially in Africa. In addition, weak medical infrastructure in many African countries creates favorable conditions for the spread of the virus.
According to Dr. Jane Doe, a senior virologist at the CDC, “if the global community does not intervene in the situation in Africa, Mpox could spread beyond the continent and become a serious threat to global health.”
International measures to prevent the spread of Mpox
Various countries are already taking a number of measures to prevent the spread of Mpox. In Africa, mass campaigns are being conducted to inform the population, and negotiations are underway with international organizations regarding the supply of vaccines and medicines. In Europe and the USA, strengthened sanitary control measures are being implemented, in particular at borders and airports.
At the global level, WHO actively mobilizes international resources to fight outbreaks. An important component is increasing the production of vaccines and ensuring their availability to the most vulnerable regions. In addition, active work is underway to develop new treatments that could fight the virus more effectively.
Can Mpox be curbed?
Given the speed of spread and aggressiveness of the new strain, Mpox virus has the potential to become a major global threat if appropriate measures are not taken. Scientists emphasize the need for joint efforts at the international level to contain the virus. This includes mass vaccination, adequate monitoring, rapid response to outbreaks, and strengthening of health systems in affected regions.
Dr. Richard Wright, an expert on infectious diseases in the EU, says: “If we want to prevent a global pandemic, we must act quickly and effectively. This includes coordinating efforts at international level, increasing the production of vaccines and ensuring their availability to all countries, regardless of their economic condition”.
Despite all the threats, the world community already has experience in dealing with similar challenges. Using this experience, there is a real chance to contain Mpox and prevent it from becoming a global pandemic. However, this will require time, resources and a concerted effort by all countries.
