According to scientists at the University of Surrey, Mpox has the potential to become a significant global health threat if treated too lightly.

In a paper published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers point out that Mpox, which has traditionally been transmitted from animals to humans, now shows clear signs of sustained human-to-human transmission.

Mpox is a viral infection caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox. The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands, and in some cases, lead to more serious illness. Mpox usually spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal.

“The recent outbreaks show that intimate contacts are now an important transmission route for the virus. This change in the mode of transmission leads to longer transmission chains and prolonged outbreaks,” says Carlos Maluquer de Motes, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Virology at the University of Surrey.

The article notes that this change coincided with the rapid spread of clade IIb mpox viruses (a clade is a group of viruses that share a common ancestor), but various variants of clade I are now also on the rise. The researchers are also concerned because it is assumed that the viruses of group I are more aggressive. These viruses appear to develop specific genetic mutations that are triggered by enzymes in the human body and can alter viral properties. The longer these viruses circulate among us, the greater the likelihood that these mutations will help Mpox adapt to humans.

Although Mpox used to be mainly found in Central Africa, the virus caused a worldwide outbreak in 2022 and is now causing outbreaks in several sub-Saharan countries. Although the virus currently affects mainly adults, the researchers emphasize that it can also spread to other groups, including children, who are at higher risk of severe disease – even if permanent transmission in children is not yet known.

Original Paper:

Mpox poses an ever-increasing epidemic and pandemic risk | Nature Medicine

Read Also:

Mpox: Medical Suspicion Assessment, Current Situation, Facts – MedLabPortal

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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