Monkeypox (Mpox): What It Is, Why It’s Still Relevant, and the Current Situation in Italy and Europe
written by Mariagiovanna Pais
Introduction
Monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, has become a global concern due to its resurgence outside of its endemic regions. Historically confined to central and western Africa, the virus has recently spread to parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, triggering renewed surveillance and response efforts. But what exactly is monkeypox, why is it still a topic of discussion in 2024, and what is the current situation in Italy and Europe?
What Is Monkeypox?
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the viruses responsible for smallpox and cowpox. Despite its name, monkeypox isn’t limited to monkeys; various animals, particularly rodents, are believed to be the primary hosts.
The disease was first identified in 1958 among research monkeys, which is how it got its name. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads. The rash progresses into pus-filled lesions before eventually healing. Although generally less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, or encephalitis in rare cases.
Why Is Mpox Still Relevant in 2024?
While mpox has historically been a public health issue in parts of Africa, its global spread in recent years has raised alarms. The 2022 outbreak led to cases being reported in North America, Europe, and Asia. Several factors contribute to why mpox remains a key concern today:
- Global Spread: Increased international travel and interactions with wildlife have facilitated the virus’s spread to regions where it was previously unseen.
- Zoonotic Threat: Monkeypox highlights the broader issue of zoonotic diseases—viruses transmitted from animals to humans. As humans encroach further into wildlife habitats, the risk of such diseases increases.
- Post-Pandemic Vigilance: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened global awareness about the need for robust disease surveillance. Public health agencies are now more proactive in tracking and controlling outbreaks like mpox to prevent wider spread.
- Emerging Strains: The 2022 outbreak brought to light new viral strains, such as clade I (specifically clade 1b), which are associated with more severe outcomes, especially in regions with limited healthcare access (see https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1140897, and https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02607-y).
Are There Treatments for Mpox?
While there is no specific treatment exclusively for mpox, several strategies exist to manage and control the disease:
- Supportive Care: Most cases are self-limiting, meaning that the body recovers without intervention. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as fever and pain while ensuring patients remain hydrated and comfortable.
- Vaccination: Vaccines like JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, originally developed for smallpox, have been shown to offer protection against mpox. These vaccines played a significant role in curbing the 2022 outbreak and are being distributed more widely to prevent future outbreaks (see https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02607-y).
- Antiviral Drugs: Antivirals such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX) have shown promise in treating mpox under emergency protocols. Other antivirals, such as Cidofovir and Brincidofovir, are also being considered for potential use (see https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1140897).
- Prevention and Control: Preventing further spread involves isolating infected individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and educating communities about avoiding contact with animals that may carry the virus. Public health measures continue to play a crucial role in controlling outbreaks (see https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/monkeypox.html).
Current Situation in Italy and Europe – 2024 Update
Italy
In Italy, the mpox situation has stabilized significantly since the height of the 2022 outbreak. While occasional cases continue to be reported, they are far fewer than during the peak. Public health authorities remain vigilant, maintaining surveillance efforts and targeting vaccination campaigns at high-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men. Prevention remains a priority, with ongoing educational efforts (see https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics).
Europe
Across Europe, the mpox situation is largely under control. However, sporadic cases still occur, particularly in high-risk populations. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) monitors the situation closely. Vaccination campaigns in countries such as Spain, the UK, and Germany have proven effective in curbing the virus’s spread. Public health awareness campaigns continue to inform people about the virus, how it spreads, and the importance of vaccination in preventing future outbreaks (see https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics).
Conclusion
Though mpox may not be as severe as smallpox or COVID-19, it remains a significant global health concern due to its potential to cross borders and affect populations outside of its traditional endemic regions. The emergence of new strains and the persistent nature of the virus call for ongoing vigilance.
Public health efforts in Italy, across Europe, and globally continue to focus on surveillance, vaccination, and education. These efforts have successfully controlled the virus’s spread, but mpox continues to challenge health systems. Continued prevention measures, research, and response readiness will be essential to mitigating the impact of mpox in the coming years.