Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, emerged as a significant public health concern in recent years due to its ability to cause outbreaks worldwide. Related to smallpox, mpox can lead to severe symptoms, making it crucial to understand its transmission, impact and preventive measures.
In an interview, Brian DeHaven, PhD, Chief Program Director of the Biomedical Sciences program at PCOM and an expert in virology and immunology, shared insights into the virus's behavior, the risks it poses, and how healthcare professionals can manage and prevent its spread. DeHaven's expertise offers an essential perspective for understanding the evolving landscape of the mpox outbreak and the steps needed to protect public health.
DeHaven explained that mpox exists in two forms: clade one, which has been endemic in Central and West Africa for decades, and clade two, which was primarily responsible for the increased spread outside Africa in 2022, and eventually resulting in global awareness.
We need to make sure that we have vaccines stocked and available for people who are at high risk.
Brian DeHaven, PhDChief Program Director, Biomedical Sciences
The World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in July 2022 due to clade two's rapid, unexpected spread across continents, especially in Europe and the Americas. Clade one generally causes more severe symptoms, like high fever and painful lesions, while clade two typically presents in milder symptoms. Both forms spread through contact with infected lesions, with clade two often transmitted through sexual contact.
Mpox belongs to the same virus family as smallpox but is generally less severe, and fatalities from mpox are more rare. While both viruses produce pox lesions and fever, DeHaven said that mpox does not spread as easily because “it is not as well adapted to human hosts.”
DeHaven advised that healthcare professionals be vigilant about mpox symptoms, monitor travel histories and recognize the unique presentation of mpox as a sexually-transmitted infection to aid in deterring further outbreaks.
“Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, especially those with lesions, and using proper personal protective equipment in healthcare settings. A vaccine is available, and high-risk individuals in places like Philadelphia can request it from their healthcare providers,” said DeHaven.
DeHaven noted that while a two-dose vaccine became available during the 2022 outbreak and is protective against mpox, it is likely that clade two is “here to stay,” and that healthcare providers should remain prepared to manage future outbreaks. “It’s something that is going to need to be on people’s radars. We need to make sure that we have vaccines stocked and available for people who are at high risk,” he said.
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