Increase in Mpox cases push WHO to declare a global health emergency |

Across the borders, a spike in the Mpox virus pushed World Health Organization Leaders to declare a global health emergency for the second time since 2022.

Mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—is a virus sweeping across Central and West Africa, and concerns are growing amidst the increases in cases.

The virus is similar to smallpox, but less severe. It’s transmitted from animals to humans. 

We saw the same virus emerge back in 2022, but there’s a key difference that makes the danger greater now than what it was before…and that’s the strain of the virus.

Mpox has two different strains, called clade I and clade II. Clade II appeared back in 2022, but in 2024, we’ve seen most cases deal with clade I.

Greater danger comes with greater risks, and Miller shares what that means.

“The problem with this strain is, while the first strain that came through had only about a 0.2% mortality, very uncommon for anyone to pass away from it, this one has as much as a three to six, even 10%, mortality depending on how you count it,” Dr. Steven Miller of The Hamilton County Health Department says.

He says most cases from clade II were found from men having male-to-male relations, but clade I brings a new target.

“With this particular strain, it’s more concerning because we’re seeing it also represented a lot in the children,” says Miller. “Iit seems to be just as much related to coming in contact with infected clothing or coming in personal contact with other children.” 

So, what happens if a person becomes infected with Mpox?

“Usually, you’ll experience kind of virus-like symptoms, whereas you’ll have headache, body aches, fever…That’ll happen for about nine days and12 days after you come in contact with it,” says Miller. “Then, about two to three days later is when you’ll start developing the rash,” he says.

He says the rash that appears is the most infectious part of the virus, and it’s got a distinct look.

“It can be scattered, what we call lesions–little bumps or areas of concern–or it can be clustered in certain areas of the body,” he says. “It’ll be little, defined, raised areas. Each one will be about half a centimeter to maybe as wide as a centimeter across. They can be widely dispersed over areas like the trunk or the legs or the genitalia.”

He says it takes around 14 days for the rash to heal.

But, don’t panic! As of right now, we haven’t seen any cases of clade I here in the states. But, to keep it that way, it’s crucial to be prepared, especially if you plan on traveling overseas in the near future.

“Be mindful of what you take in as far as drinking and eating,” he says. “Be mindful of where you’re staying and who you associate with. If you know of a household or an individual that’s dealing with this particular illness, you need to try to avoid them as best you can.”

If you feel like you’re at risk, there are measures you can take to keep you—and others—safe. The Hamilton County Health Department is offering immunizations, so if you plan to travel soon, you might want to consider dropping by.