The Briefing Room
What we know (and don't know) about the new Mpox outbreak
Aug 29, 2024
Dr. Jonas Albarnaz, a pox virus expert from The Pirbright Institute, joins Dr. Lilith Whittles, a lecturer focused on infectious disease analysis, Dr. Josie Golding, head of epidemiology at The Wellcome Trust, and Trudie Lang, a global health professor. They dive into the emerging Mpox outbreak, discussing its origins, symptoms, and the challenges of viral mutation. The group highlights the urgent need for research on vaccine distribution and the implications of evolving transmission dynamics as they navigate global health preparedness.
28:17
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Quick takeaways
- The emergence of the new Clade 1b variant highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and understanding of unique transmission patterns among human populations.
- Disparities in global health responses hinder effective vaccine distribution, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect at-risk communities.
Deep dives
Understanding MPOCs and Its Transmission
MPOCs, previously known as monkeypox, is a virus that causes similar symptoms to smallpox and is transmitted primarily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. The virus can manifest through skin lesions filled with fluids, which serve as the main source of contagion during close interactions such as hugging or sexual contact. Although initially linked to animals, particularly rodents and small mammals in Africa, MPOCs has evolved into a more concerning strain, with instances of human-to-human transmission becoming increasingly common. This shift raises public health concerns, as outbreaks are no longer confined to remote villages in Africa and have been reported in various countries globally.
