What is mpox as the WHO declares international emergency?

Monkeypox, or mpox, has been declared a global health emergency after it began spreading rapidly across central Africa and popping up around the world – including a case in Europe.

Mpox has been known about for years and while a concern to the World Health Organization (WHO) it has never been widespread. But in a recent explosion of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside changing symptoms has caused alarm for medical professionals.

The WHO declared it an emergency on Wednesday after a meeting at the United Nations, while the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention declared it an emergency on Tuesday. The international organisation said there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year, which already exceeds last year’s figures.

On Thursday, Sweden recorded its first case of mpox – the first confirmed case in Europe.

So far, more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in DR Congo. Scientists are concerned about the spread of a new version of the disease that might be more easily transmitted among people.

What is mpox?

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified by scientists in 1958 when there were outbreaks of a "pox-like" disease in monkeys. Until recently, most human cases were seen in people in central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals.

In 2022, the virus was confirmed to spread via sex for the first time and triggered outbreaks in more than 70 countries across the world that had not previously reported mpox.

Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals. Earlier this year, scientists reported the emergence of a new form of mpox in a Congolese mining town that can kill up to 10% of people and may spread more easily.

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Unlike in previous mpox outbreaks, where lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet, the new form of mpox causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals. That makes it harder to spot, meaning people might also sicken others without knowing they’re infected.

During the global outbreak of mpox in 2022, gay and bisexual men made up the vast majority of cases and the virus was mostly spread through close contact, including sex. Although some similar patterns have been seen in Africa, children under 15 now account for more than 70% of the mpox cases and 85% of deaths in Congo.

How contagious is mpox?

Mpox can be transmitted by close physical contact with the scabs or blisters it causes. It can also be spread through the coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox. While always known to be infectious in the past the recent outbreak is on a far bigger scale than previous incidents.

The number of cases has jumped dramatically in recent months. Last week, the Africa CDC reported that mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries. Compared with the same period last year, the agency said cases are up 160% and deaths have increased by 19%.

Is there a vaccine for mpox?

Yes, after the 2022 outbreak of mpox in dozens of countries was largely shut down with the use of vaccines and treatments in rich countries, in addition to convincing people to avoid risky behaviour. But barely any vaccines or treatments have been available in Africa.

DR Congo has said it’s in talks with donors about possible vaccine donations and has gotten some financial aid from the UK and the US.

The WHO had already released £1.1m from its emergency fund to support the response to mpox in Africa, but said it needs an initial £11.7m to fund that response.