Understanding Mpox: Transmission, History, and Protective Measures
- Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is highly infectious.
- The virus was first observed in monkeys shipped for research in the late 1960s.
- The first human case of mpox occurred in 1970 in a nine-year-old boy in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Understanding Mpox
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is highly infectious. It spreads easily between people but originally comes from infected animals.
Virus Origin
The virus was first observed in monkeys shipped for research in the late 1960s. Research in the 1970s revealed that monkeys are not the natural hosts of the virus. Instead, studies indicated that rodents and small mammals, particularly in west and central Africa, may be the primary reservoirs. Evidence from 1979 showed exposure in various animal species, particularly squirrels.
Human Cases
The first human case of mpox occurred in 1970 in a nine-year-old boy in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). As smallpox vaccination ended after the disease was eradicated in 1980, cases of mpox began to rise. Vaccinated individuals, however, were still protected against mpox. Significant outbreaks occurred in the DRC between 1996 and 1997, with other cases reported in several African countries.
Geographic Distribution
Mpox mostly occurs in the humid forests of west and central Africa. The DRC and Nigeria report the highest number of cases. The virus has two clades: Clade I (from the Congo Basin) is more severe and transmissible than Clade II (from West Africa).
Animal Transmission
Research has shown that 43 animal species in the DRC tested positive for the orthopoxvirus, the family to which the mpox virus belongs. Some rodents, especially squirrels, have displayed antibodies indicating they have been exposed to the virus. Studies also suggest that contact with these animals, especially during bushmeat hunting, can lead to infection.
Transmission to Humans
Mpox spreads more easily inside households compared to smallpox. It primarily transmits in areas with forest habitats. People can get infected through hunting bushmeat, bites, scratches from animals, or by handling infected animals or products. Consuming undercooked meat from infected animals also poses a risk.
Preventive Measures
To prevent mpox, individuals must practice strict hygiene and biosecurity. Biosecurity prevents disease from spreading in areas where it could impact animals and humans. Raising awareness about the risks of handling wildlife and bushmeat can help reduce exposure, especially in rural forests.