CDC, WHO monitoring overseas outbreak of M-Pox: What we know

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are monitoring M-Pox outbreaks overseas; some worry this outbreak could turn global if not taken care of.

Previously, WHO stated that M-Pox is a global health emergency , with testing and surveillance increasing in the United States.

“They did this declaration for three reasons. First, it was unexpected. Second, it has the potential for cross-border international transmission. And last, since it can cross borders, we need an international response,” said Chris Cook, Clark County Health Commissioner.

Health experts want to emphasize that this is just a precaution — and that M-Pox does not spread the same way that COVID did years ago.

“M-POX, clay 1 and clay 2, it’s not COVID. You know, I think we are kind of wired right now to think about airborne, aerosol, droplet transmission. But this is not how it transmits at this time,” said Cook. “People who are at greatest risk for getting M-POX are again, those sexual contact, folks who have multiple sexual partners.”

Travel also complicates the spread of the virus.

“Worldwide travel is so open, that it is very easy for what appears to be a localized outbreak, to all of a sudden become a worldwide problem once again,” said Roberto Colon, Premier Health chief medical officer.

A vaccine against M-Pox is readily available, and those who are at risk are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as they can. Even if the virus does mutate, the vaccine will still be effective.

“It is very likely that we will see some varying iterations or varying modifications to this virus, moving forward. That does not immediately mean that the vaccines become less effective or not effective,” said Colon.

Health experts also point to the fact that a vaccine is readily available to those at risk as another reason why this is not a similar situation to COVID.

The WHO has also recently announced their prequalification of another M-Pox vaccine that will address the spread of the virus.

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