WHO admits that Mpox virus can be spread through droplets

Understanding the Transmission of Mpox Virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently confirmed that the Mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. However, the UN health agency claimed that this mode of transmission is considered minor compared to the primary route, which is close physical contact. This revelation comes amidst growing concerns over the spread of Mpox, particularly with the recent surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries. The WHO declared an international emergency on August 14, driven by the rapid spread of the Clade 1b strain of the virus.


WHO admits that Mpox virus can be spread through droplets

What Is Droplet Transmission?
Droplet transmission is a mode of disease spread that involves the transfer of infectious agents from one individual to another through respiratory droplets. These droplets are small particles of moisture expelled from the respiratory tract when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes heavily. These droplets can carry viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens that cause infections in those who come into contact with them.
 
The transmission occurs when these droplets are inhaled by someone nearby or when they come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. The droplets are typically larger than 5 micrometers in diameter and generally do not travel more than a few feet before settling out of the air. This is why droplet transmission is often associated with close contact scenarios, where individuals are within a short distance of one another, such as in crowded spaces or during face-to-face conversations.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143281/
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132320306788
 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2007.00469.x
 
In the case of the Mpox virus, droplet transmission can occur when an infected person with lesions in the respiratory tract expels the virus-laden droplets. If someone in close proximity inhales these droplets or if they land on their mucous membranes, the virus can enter the body and cause infection. However, it is important to note that while this is a possible route of transmission, the WHO has emphasized that it is considered a minor one compared to physical contact.
 
The Distinction Between Droplet and Airborne Transmission
It is crucial to differentiate droplet transmission from airborne transmission, which involves much smaller particles known as aerosols. Aerosols are tiny particles or droplets that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods and travel greater distances. Diseases like tuberculosis, measles, and COVID-19 are examples of infections that can spread through airborne transmission, where the pathogen can be inhaled from the air, even from a distance or after the infected person has left the area.
 
In contrast, dropl et transmission requires closer proximity to the infected person because the droplets are heavier and fall to the ground or surfaces relatively quickly. This form of transmission is typically associated with diseases such as influenza, certain types of meningitis, and now, as the WHO has indicated, potentially Mpox.
https://thescrubnurse.com/airborne-vs-droplet-transmission-differences/
 
https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30410-2/fulltext
 
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/225/9/1561/5820886
 
Primary Route of Mpox Transmission: Close Physical Contact
While droplet transmission is possible, the WHO has reiterated that the primary mode of Mpox transmission remains close physical contact. This includes skin-to-skin contact, which is often associated with intimate activities such as touching or sexual contact, as well as mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact, such as kissing. The agency's website notes that being face-to-face with someone who has Mpox, particularly if they are symptomatic with lesions, can generate infectious respiratory particles.
 
WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris emphasized that the close, physical skin-to-skin contact is the chief route of transmission, especially in cases where lesions are present on the infected individual. This form of contact allows the virus to be transmitted more efficiently, particularly through the rupturing of lesions, which can release a significant amount of the virus.
 
The Surge of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The international alarm over Mpox was raised primarily due to the surge of cases in the DRC, driven by the Clade 1b strain. This strain is a new offshoot of Clade 1, which is endemic to the Congo Basin in central Africa. Clade 1 Mpox is known to be more virulent and has a higher fatality rate than Clade 2, which is endemic to West Africa.
 
The DRC is currently experiencing outbreaks of two different Clade 1 strains. The first is Clade 1a, which has been previously documented. The second, and more concerning, is Clade 1b, first detected in September last year, and is now spreading rapidly. The rapid spread of Clade 1b, along with its detection in nearby countries, prompted the WHO to declare Mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
 
Ongoing Research and the Need for Urgent Support
While Clade 1b has raised alarm due to its rapid spread, there is still limited data on whether this variant is more dangerous than Clade 1a. Studies are currently underway to understand the properties of this new strain, but available epidemiological data does not yet suggest that Clade 1b causes more severe cases or deaths compared to other strains.
 
The WHO has acknowledged the need for more research to fully understand the transmission dynamics of Mpox, particularly with regard to the role of droplets in spreading the virus. The agency has also appealed for $87.4 million in funding to implement its plans to contain the Mpox outbreak from September to February.
 
Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency has warned of the devastating potential impact of the Mpox outbreak on displacement camps in the DRC and other affected countries in Africa. Allen Maina, the public health chief of the UNHCR, highlighted the tremendous challenges in implementing Mpox prevention measures among refugees and displaced communities. These populations often reside in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation and are cut off from humanitarian assistance, making them particularly vulnerable to the outbreak.
 
Warning About Mpox Clade 2b Spread
Thailand Medical News would like to add that while the world is more focused on the Mpox Clade 1b spread and is ignoring the spread of the Mpox Clade 2b strains which many are claiming to be milder and is only spreading within the gay community, these Clade 2b strains are also mutating and evolving at the moment as they spread from human to human and they are not as mild as claimed as they exhibit high rates of viral persistence even after so called ‘recovery’ stages and can cause damage to the brain and CNS system, to the kidneys and also the heart over time. They are possibly spread not just via sexual contact but also via droplet transmissions as well.
 
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance and Global Cooperation
As the Mpox virus continues to spread, particularly in central Africa, the WHO's acknowledgment of droplet transmission, albeit minor, underscores the complexity of controlling the virus. While close physical contact remains the primary mode of transmission, the potential for droplets to contribute to the spread calls for vigilance, especially in healthcare settings and crowded environments.
 
The WHO's declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern serves as a stark reminder of the need for global cooperation and adequate funding to combat the outbreak. With ongoing research into the new Clade 1b strain and efforts to support vulnerable populations in affected regions, the international community must remain committed to understanding and controlling this evolving health threat.
 
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-viruses-are-mutating-rapidly-and-africa-is-not-equipped-to-cope-with-the-situation
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/insights-into-monkeypox-the-role-of-il-10-signaling-and-epigenetics-in-viral-persistence