Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.
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Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency in 2022 due to the rapid spread of the virus in multiple countries.
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Transmission
Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, including skin-to-skin contact, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets.
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Risk Group
Individuals with close contact with infected persons, healthcare workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM) were identified as higher-risk groups during the outbreak.
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Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a rash that progresses to blisters and scabs.
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Symptoms
Affected Region
Although previously limited to Central and West Africa, the outbreak spread to over 100 countries, including non-endemic regions such as Europe and North America.
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Vaccine Availability
Vaccines initially developed for smallpox have been used as a preventive measure for mpox, with efforts to increase global access to vaccination.
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Public Health Measures
Quarantine, isolation of infected individuals, and public health campaigns were implemented to curb the spread of the virus.
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Global Response
Countries initiated responses through vaccination campaigns, travel advisories, and increased surveillance, although challenges in vaccine equity and public education persisted.
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Mutations and Variants
The outbreak raised concerns about potential mutations of the virus, although it remained genetically stable compared to other viruses like COVID-19.
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Impact on Healthcare System
The mpox outbreak added pressure on healthcare systems already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic