The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared an outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) as a global health emergency. This outbreak, which reportedly originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has now spread to numerous countries, resulting in more than 500 recorded deaths.
Following the initial outbreak in Africa, Africa’s top public health body has warned that this latest strain could have a domino effect on global health, potentially leading to another pandemic if immediate action is not taken to control it. But what exactly is monkeypox (Mpox), and why are international alarm bells ringing?
Despite its name, monkeypox doesn’t necessarily originate from monkeys, and we still haven’t pinpointed its exact source or cause. The disease was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like illness occurred in colonies of research monkeys, hence the name. However, scientists suspect that non-human primates aren’t the only animals that can carry the virus. African rodents, and other mammals, have also been linked to carry the Monkeypox virus.
The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 in a nine-month-old boy in the Republic of the Congo. Due to concerns that the name "monkeypox" could be perceived as discriminatory or stigmatising, particularly after the virus spread to over 100 countries in 2022, the WHO decided to rename it "Mpox." This change has been introduced gradually, with the WHO encouraging people and publications to start using the term "Mpox" when referring to the disease.
Mpox is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. It can lead to a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While most people recover fully, some can become seriously ill.
Typically, Mpox is an endemic disease, meaning it usually occurs within a specific region or population - primarily Central and West Africa. However, with increased travel and the trade of exotic animals, the monkeypox virus has spread to other regions.
Like many viruses, monkeypox has different strains. Two main types have been identified - Clade I and Clade II - each of which has different outcomes when infecting people:
Mpox spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact, such as talking in close proximity (sharing respiratory droplets), skin-to-skin contact, mouth-to-skin contact, and mouth-to-mouth contact. Many cases, including those in the 2022 outbreak, have been linked to sexual contact. However, it is also possible to contract the virus by touching materials like bedding, towels, and surfaces that have been in contact with an infected person. Additionally, close contact with an infected animal can lead to human infection.
The incubation period for the virus is between 5 and 21 days. Most people recover after this period, but some may experience more severe illness. Not all people with Mpox experience the same symptoms, but the disease usually begins with a fever, followed by the appearance of a rash or blisters, typically first on the face and genital area. These rashes then spread to other parts of the body, going through various stages before forming scabs that eventually fall off. Reactions to these rashes vary, with some individuals experiencing widespread rashes and others having them only in the genital area.
During this period, people may also experience headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and joint pain. A person with Mpox remains infectious until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed, usually between 2 and 4 weeks. It’s important to note that the scabs can still contain the virus.
Depending on the type of Mpox contracted, symptoms can range from mild to potentially life-threatening.
Although many cases of Mpox have been linked to sexual contact, there is still a risk of infection through other forms of close contact, such as hand-to-hand contact and touching contaminated surfaces.
If you manage a public space, it’s crucial to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects regularly to limit the spread of the virus. Regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitiser can also help protect yourself, your loved ones, and the wider public from contracting this virus.
BioHygiene All Purpose Sanitiser is a naturally-derived surface sanitiser, approved to EN1276, EN13697, EN1650 and EN14476. Similarly, BioHygiene Foam Hand Sanitiser is a naturally-derived hygienic hand rub approved to EN1276, EN1500 and EN14476. These products are therefore effective against Mpox and can form an important part of a effective sanitising regime.