“We went from one monkeypox case in May to 5,000+ preventable cases today. I am devastated by how many people are in horrific pain," says David Brinkman, the CEO of DAP Health, in regards to monkeypox (now mpox), a virus that has jolted numerous populations and affected people in a profusion of countries across the globe. Since 2022, the number of cases of mpox and related deaths has grown. From the widely varied death rate of each clade to the first FDA-approved vaccine for mpox, this is an overview of what mpox is and what is important to know about it. 

Mpox is a global health emergency that has had dire effects on populations across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency in 2022 and again in August 2024. WHO also announced the mpox as a PHEIC virus, meaning “public health emergency of international concern” virus. It has two notable strains: Clade I and Clade II. Mpox Clade I is known to be more fatal than its counterpart Clade II, as it is associated with a higher death rate and the infliction of more severe symptoms. It has roughly a 10% fatality rate, which some claim to be deflating, as well. Clade II, on the other hand, is seen as less severe, with a survival rate of over 99.9%. Both Clades primarily plagued people in different parts of Africa, with Clade I impacting East and Central Africa, and Clade II in the West. Mpox has primarily impacted Africa (with about 13 affected countries), and since 2022, the virus has affected 121 countries. 

Symptoms of mpox include rashes, fatigue, aches of the head and muscles, sore throat, and more. Its prominent rashes, which range in number from one to hundreds, are the main indications of the virus. These rashes begin forming as sores, which eventually become blisters that take weeks to come off. Transmission occurs from being in close contact with an affected individual, consuming or being bit/scratched by affected animals, being exposed to contaminated items, or engaging in sexual relations with an affected individual.

Although the symptoms of mpox can be severe, there is a vaccine. JNNEOS is the first FDA-approved vaccine for mpox, and it is currently being delivered in several African countries. The DRC recently received 100,000 vaccines to aid with combatting the virus. JNNEOS comes in two doses, and both are recommended for protection after being exposed to the virus. While there are other options for combatting the virus (like immunoglobulins), the vaccine for mpox is the most effective, especially when it is delivered immediately after exposure to the virus. Taking JNNEOS in the period of four days of exposure can aid with protecting someone on 85% of occasions.

Mpox is a disease impacting various parts of the world, and it is spread through contact or contamination. With a large number of cases and a fatality rate contingent on the Clade, the virus is dangerous. However, following proper preventative measures proposed by WHO and receiving the vaccine when needed are two important steps towards combating the spread of the virus. Although the virus has potential to impact wider populations, it can be prevented.

Information from WHO, CDC, UC Davis Health, ECDC, NBC, DAP, UCSF, Cleveland Clinic, Nature, The Guardian, Bavarian Nordic, RIVM.