Mpox: The causes, signs and prevention

Mpox is a zoonotic viral infection, formerly known as monkeypox. It’s known to infect both humans and animals, mainly transmitting through close contact, but sometimes also from shared environments and surfaces.

There are two types of mpox:

Clade I: more severe illness and some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of those infected. Recent outbreaks, like the 2024 spread has shown lower death rates.
Clade II: a less severe infection that impacted West Africa, with a more than 99.9% survival rate.

Why is it called mpox?

In 2023, the term ‘monkeypox’ was renamed ‘mpox’ by global health authorities to reduce stigma and avoid confusion about monkeys being the primary source of transmission.

The disease was first found in 1958 by Danish scientists completing research on monkeys. Despite the name, monkeys are not the primary hosts of the virus. The disease is more commonly found in rodents.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms include:

painful rash
fever
swollen lymph nodes
muscle aches

Two young Congolese girls sitting outside with their backs to the camera, showing scars from mpox — Mpox may appear as a painful or itchy skin rash, which can last for 2–4 weeks

Is mpox serious?

Unlike smallpox, mpox typically presents less severe symptoms and lower fatalities. However, the experience of the illness can be dependent on the individual and the strain.

Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, particularly in low- middle-income countries and in regions with limited access to healthcare. Environmental and socio-economic factors can increase their vulnerability.

These factors include:

overcrowded living conditions
inadequate healthcare and infrastructure
malnutrition and poor health
playing closely with other children or people that might be infected
limited access to clean water and sanitation

The current situation

Between 2022-2024, the globe has seen an increase in mpox cases.

From 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2024, there have been 99,176 confirmed cases of this new mpox strain, with 208 reported deaths across 116 countries. In June 2024, there were 934 confirmed cases and four deaths. Confirmed cases are often considered underestimates of the true number.

The World Health Organization reported that there was a decrease in every region between May and June, except in Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently experiencing the highest number of cases. But the disease has been reported in 116 countries, making it a global health concern.

I'll protect children from mpox

Map showing African countries registered with mpox infections, including countries at risk. — Mpox is spreading across central Africa, with registered cases in nine countries and many more at risk of transmission. (Accurate as of August 2024)

Countries with confirmed cases of mpox clade 1

The outbreak comes as a new strain is identified, named clade 1. There have been confirmed cases in the DRC, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, and Gabon.

One case has now been detected in Sweden and is said to have contracted it during a stay in an African country.

How to prevent the spread of mpox

As a children’s charity, World Vision UK is deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of children at risk of this viral infection. We’re collaborating with local teams in areas impacted by mpox, ensuring they’re accessing relevant information and effectively responding to the crisis.

We’re supporting teams to reduce transmission by:

Maintaining hygiene practices: Regular handwashing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and avoiding contact with infected individuals.
Increasing public awareness: Educating communities about the signs and symptoms of mpox to improve early detection and isolation.
Improving early detection: Strengthening healthcare systems to detect and respond to mpox cases early.
Providing treatment: Early and supportive care improves symptom management and prevents further complications.

Congolese mother sits to the right of her daughter in a health centre

Improving healthcare to aid early detection

Judith says, “My daughter has Mpox. She hadn't yet received medical care. But we've been told that if a child has scabs, they should be taken to hospital quickly. I took her elsewhere but they couldn't treat her. They transferred me here.

“I pray that my daughter will recover. My heart hurts, but please help me so that my daughter can get better.

“I'm scared because I think she'll die. She's had Mpox for a week now, and when she gets the itch she cries and that scares me. I'm scared too, because if she infects me, I could die too. Have pity on her and treat her.”

Congolese mother sat down holding her eight-month-old son outside a temporary shelter

Providing access to treatment

Furaha, mother of Josephat, eight months: “This disease affects us. We see scabs appearing on the child’s skin, and when they itch, the child spends the whole night crying.

“Once in hospital, [Josephat] was given medication and is fine. My child is eight months old and has been ill for a week.

“I was scared because we were told that if a child contracts this disease, he dies. We need medical care. There are lots of cases. This disease affects children, women and men.”

Congolese father with his son who is infected with mpox scars and lesions

Increasing public awareness

Yohane ‘When I arrived here at the hospital. My child was examined, given the medicines and shown how to wash him twice. I was scared when I saw the signs of scabies appearing and I quickly took him to hospital. We know that this disease kills.

‘We need everyone who has it to be referred to hospital for medical treatment’, Yohane, father of a child with Mpox.

Ensuring infected individuals isolate

Confiance, 11, has Mpox and is in an isolation centre. She shares her concerns about the disease she’s currently fighting off.

“I’ve been ill since Wednesday. I arrived at the hospital today. I’ve just been treated and they’re telling me to wait.

“We were made aware that if scabies broke out, we would die. I just need to get better.”

How you can help vulnerable children

World Vision is taking immediate steps to protect children most vulnerable to the mpox virus. We're focusing on countries in central Africa with registered cases, whilst also monitoring the surrounding countries at risk of transmission.

By donating today, you can help us respond quickly and protect children from the growing mpox outbreak.

I'll protect children from mpox