WHO Confirms Droplets as Minor Mpox Transmission Route

WHO Clarifies Transmission of Mpox:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently addressed concerns regarding the transmission routes of Mpox, emphasizing that droplets are considered a minor route of transmission. The primary method of Mpox spread remains close physical contact, particularly skin-to-skin interactions, including intimate contact such as touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse.

Key Points from the WHO Briefing:

• Primary Transmission Route:
  • WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris clarified that while there is a possibility of spreading the virus through close, face-to-face interactions—such as talking closely or breathing on someone—this is not a major form of transmission.
  • The virus predominantly spreads through direct physical contact, making skin-to-skin interaction the most significant transmission route.
• Droplets as a Minor Route:
  • The WHO noted that droplets can carry the virus, but this mode of transmission is not as significant as direct physical contact. There is no evidence to suggest long-distance or airborne transmission through droplets, which sets Mpox apart from other respiratory viruses.
• Ongoing Research:
  • The WHO emphasized the need for more research to better understand Mpox transmission, particularly with the emergence of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its subsequent spread to nearby countries.

International Concerns and Response:

• Mpox Declared an International Emergency:
  • On August 14, WHO declared Mpox an international emergency due to the alarming surge in cases of the Clade 1b strain in the DRC and its spread to nearby regions.
  • The global health body has been closely monitoring the situation and working with affected countries to manage and contain the outbreak.
• Current Strain and Transmission:
  • Mpox has two main subtypes: Clade 1, endemic to the Congo Basin, and Clade 2, found in West Africa. The recent surge in the DRC is fueled by two Clade 1 strains, including Clade 1b, a new variant identified in September last year. The WHO has noted that while Clade 1b is spreading rapidly, there is no conclusive evidence that it is more severe than the Clade 1a variant.
• Funding and Support:
  • The WHO has announced the need for $87.4 million in funding to implement its plans to contain the Mpox outbreak from September to February.
  • The UN refugee agency has also warned of the potential impact on displacement camps in the DRC and other affected regions, where overcrowded conditions and poor sanitation could exacerbate the spread of the virus.

Conclusion:

The WHO's clarification on Mpox transmission highlights the importance of understanding the virus's behavior to effectively combat its spread. While droplets are a minor route, the focus remains on preventing close physical contact with infected individuals to control the outbreak. As the international community responds to the Mpox emergency, continued research and funding are critical to preventing a larger global health crisis.