Mpox has the potential to spread to multiple countries, expert tells CNN

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a Global Public Health Emergency. In Brazil, there are already more than 700 confirmed cases of the disease, which has the potential to spread to several countries.

Dr. Renato Kfouri, vice president of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations, explained in an interview with CNN Brazil that the WHO declaration means that the disease has the potential to spread and bring consequences to several countries and locations.

According to the expert, a mutation in the virus that causes mpox, called clade 1B, gained a greater transmission capacity.

“This new variant has been infecting children more easily than the previous version, and has spread to other countries very quickly,” warned Kfouri.

Symptoms of mpox include fever, malaise, body aches and typical lesions that resemble chickenpox, but with more blisters, often painful, that spread throughout the body.

Profile of cases in Brazil

In Brazil, the profile of cases shows a predominance of young adult men, aged between 19 and 39 years, representing 70% of cases. In addition, 46% of probable or confirmed cases are in people living with HIV.

Dr. Kfouri highlighted that more than 80% of cases in Brazil occur in patients with some immunological deficiency, especially those living with HIV/AIDS.

“Those living with HIV/AIDS and whose disease is not under control have a greater risk of developing mpox,” he explained.

The good news, according to the expert, is that the vaccine can be effective even after exposure to the virus, as long as it is administered before symptoms appear.

“If you are exposed to someone who has had the disease, it is possible to get vaccinated after exposure. And the vaccine can protect against this progression,” said Kfouri.

In light of this scenario, the Brazilian Ministry of Health created an emergency committee to deal with the disease in the country, reinforcing the importance of surveillance and preventive measures to contain the spread of mpox.

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