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Mpox: Not the New COVID-19, but Still a Concern

Why Mpox Is Not the Next Pandemic

Despite its spread to multiple countries, experts believe Mpox is unlikely to become a global pandemic like COVID-19 due to:

• Lower Transmission Rate: Spread primarily through close contact, unlike COVID-19's airborne transmission.
• Effective Vaccines: Smallpox vaccines are cross-protective against Mpox, providing a layer of immunity.
• Limited Animal Reservoir: Unlike COVID-19, Mpox primarily affects wild animals in Africa, reducing its potential for sustained human transmission.

Understanding Mpox

Transmission and Symptoms

Mpox spreads primarily through:

• Direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials (e.g., bedding, clothing).
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact (rare).

Symptoms include:

• Fever, chills, fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful skin lesions that evolve from flat to raised and eventually crust over

Variant Risk

The new variant of Mpox is not a major concern for several reasons:

• Similar Transmission: Transmits the same way as previous variants.
• Not More Severe: Early evidence suggests it is not more severe than older variants.
• Vaccine Effectiveness: Smallpox vaccines remain effective against the new variant.

Protecting Yourself

• Get vaccinated against smallpox (also protects against Mpox).
• Avoid contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Seek medical attention if you suspect exposure or have symptoms.

Conclusion

While Mpox is a concerning infection, it is important to note that it is not the new COVID-19. With effective vaccines and limited transmission potential, experts believe it is unlikely to become a pandemic. However, individuals should remain vigilant, practice preventive measures, and seek medical attention if necessary.

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