The World Health Organization declared mpox, also known as monkeypox, a global health emergency on Aug. 14 for the second time in three years.
The declaration comes in response to an outbreak in 13 African nations including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic and other nations.
The last time there was a global emergency due to mpox was only two years ago in 2022. More than 17,000 cases have been reported across Africa in 2024, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here is all you need to know about the outbreak and virus.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I causes more severe illness and death, and it occurs most in Central Africa. Clade II is what caused the global outbreak in 2022. Infections are less severe and occur most in West Africa.
Both clades can spread through direct contact with infected wild animals, a person with mpox or contaminated materials. Direct contact can also happen through prolonged face-to-face interactions such as talking or breathing.
Is monkeypox in the United States?
The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. This was done amid the ongoing outbreak in Africa.
Despite the outbreak in Africa, no cases have been recorded in the United States of clade I as of last week. Federal officials have said the risk of a widespread outbreak is low in the U.S. There are a few cases of clade II mpox reported in the U.S. each week.
The CDC issued a health alert and travel notice about clade I mpox in Central Africa and neighboring countries. It is recommended that providers and health agencies monitor signs and ask patients about recent travel to affected areas.
What are monkeypox symptoms?
According to the CDC, people infected with mpox typically get a rash that can occur on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or genitals. During the incubation period, 3-17 days, a person will not have any symptoms and can feel fine.
Other symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backaches
- Headaches
- Respiratory problems such as sore throat, nasal congestion or cough
Typically, symptoms start within 21 days of exposure to the virus. A rash will likely develop within four days if you have flu-like symptoms.
How do you test for monkeypox?
It is recommended to get tested only if you have a rash that is consistent with mpox. Testing is done through a healthcare provider.
To test for the virus, a healthcare provider will get a specimen test. This is done by swabbing the lesions of the rash. Samples are sent to a lab and results will come back within a few days.
How is monkeypox treated?
There is no treatment for mpox currently. However, there is a vaccine that can be taken to prevent infection of the disease. Once both doses of the vaccine are taken, a person does not need to worry about being infected.
While there is no treatment, doctors are testing to see if the treatment for smallpox, TPOXX, could have any affect on mpox as the viruses are similar in nature.
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