The global fight against Mpox and the race for effective vaccines, ET HealthWorld

By Prarthana Sharma

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 70,000 diagnosed cases worldwide, with Mpox having spread to over 80 countries and posing a significant public health risk. The development of vaccines is crucial not only to immunize those infected, but also to prevent further transmission or mutation of the virus.

The current Mpox outbreak compared to other virus outbreaks

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, stressed that international partnership and transparency are key to containing the Mpox outbreak. “The Mpox outbreak can be contained through transparency and international cooperation. This will enable rapid global assessment as well as collective responses by providing data on known cases (epidemiological data), all virus sequences (genomic sequences) and clinical settings.” It also promotes equitable access to diagnostics and vaccines and accelerates research. To improve preparedness and response, WHO suggests, for example, real-time data sharing mechanisms, standardization of protocols and strengthening global health security.

Three main actions are critical in the fight against disease outbreaks: breaking down political barriers, combating misinformation, and establishing communication channels on all fronts. Governments should forge stronger alliances with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to respond effectively to global health threats.

Differentiating clinical features of Mpox and improving early detection

Mpox has distinct clinical features that distinguish it from other viral diseases. The unique rashes and swollen lymph nodes seen in Mpox distinguish it from other viral diseases like chickenpox or measles, says Dr. Ankita Baidya, an infectious disease specialist at Manipal Hospital Dwarka. Mpox spreads through close contact and sexual transmission. Early detection is possible by suspecting its presence early and testing blister fluid for the virus.

The Mpox rash progresses through several stages, including papules, vesicles, pustules, and crusts, often starting on the face, hands, and feet. Swollen lymph nodes usually occur along with fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and other symptoms. Improving early detection can be achieved by strengthening public health surveillance systems and training health care providers to recognize Mpox symptoms and apply diagnostic standards. Rapid diagnostic tests such as PCR, as well as efficient contact tracing, are critical to controlling outbreaks among vulnerable populations.

Assessing the likelihood of an Mpox outbreak

Comparing Mpox to COVID-19, Dr. Shilpa Bhatte, MBBS, MD, Chief Program Officer at CureBay, noted that Mpox has a lower risk of becoming epidemic compared to SARS-CoV-2 as it typically spreads through body and physical contact and its severity is less in comparison. She added, “Compared to severe contagious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, Mpox has a lower chance of becoming a pandemic. The disease spreads primarily through person-to-person contacts and is therefore less severe than smallpox. The outbreak has been effectively contained through public health measures such as contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals; however, new variants, global travel, unequal access to vaccines or lack of awareness may increase the associated risks. An Mpox pandemic is not in sight, but vigilance and effective measures are still required.”

Although Mpox is less likely to become a global disease than highly contagious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, which spread via respiratory droplets and can be more deadly, several factors may increase the risk. These factors include potential mutations, unequal access to vaccines and healthcare, challenges in public education, and international travel. Therefore, effective health measures are essential to manage these risks and prevent escalation to pandemics. Prevention requires vigilance, proactive surveillance, and systematic threat assessment.

The role of transparency and global cooperation

The Mpox outbreak can be contained through transparency and international cooperation. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explains, “Containing the Mpox outbreak requires transparency and international cooperation. Sharing epidemiological data, genome sequences and clinical information enables rapid global assessment and coordinated responses. This facilitates equitable access to diagnostics and vaccines and accelerates research. Improved real-time data sharing, protocol standardization and global health security are critical to improving preparedness and response.”

Bringing outbreaks under control requires breaking down political barriers, combating misinformation, and creating open channels of communication. To respond effectively to global health threats, governments must forge stronger partnerships with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector.

Challenges in resource-poor environments and global support

“Serum Institute of India has made significant progress in developing an Mpox vaccine. They have announced that there will be updates and good news within a year. This is exciting news in the fight against the virus,” said Dr. Rishikesh Dess, Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Gangaram Hospital.

Controlling Mpox outbreaks is particularly difficult in resource-poor settings. Dr Rishikesh Dess, Consultant in the Department of Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained: “There is no definitive treatment for Mpox; however, supportive care, including pain management, hydration and treatment of secondary bacterial infections, is critical. Tecovirimat, an antiviral agent, has shown some promising results but is difficult to obtain. Controlling epidemics and minimising their impact depends on early detection of outbreaks, supportive care and vaccinations such as the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection.”

In areas without health infrastructure, controlling the Mpox outbreak presents numerous challenges. The virus is mainly transmitted through close contact with infected people or animals, and its variable clinical presentation makes diagnosis and containment difficult. The outbreak has exposed weaknesses in the health infrastructure, including lack of diagnostics and poor availability of antiviral treatments.

The contribution of international cooperation and public health initiatives

Vaccine development is crucial for controlling Mpox outbreaks. Dr RS Mishra, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts, noted, “Mpox vaccines include JYNNEOS (Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000. JYNNEOS is considered the better option due to its fewer side effects.” Vaccinations are essential for controlling outbreaks, especially in high-risk groups.

According to health experts, public health measures such as promoting hygiene practices, issuing travel alerts and implementing immunization programs are needed to contain the transmission of Mpox. Educating the public about the signs and symptoms of the virus and how it spreads can help prevent further infections and reduce the stigma associated with Mpox. In addition, screening during international travel and surveillance can detect potential outbreaks early before they become uncontrollable. Efficient management of Mpox outbreaks requires comprehensive government action that enables global participation to ensure good health for all.

Although Mpox poses a public health challenge, advances in vaccine production and international cooperation offer several opportunities to manage the disease. Scientists at the Serum Institute of India are working to develop vaccines against this disease. Effective control requires continuous research, rapid vaccine distribution, and robust public health systems to control and prevent the spread. Through global unity and vigilance, we can mitigate the impact of Mpox and protect health worldwide.