Mpox

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It presents with a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, though most people fully recover. The virus spreads primarily through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, and in some settings through needle injuries or skin-to-skin contact. There are two distinct viral clades: clade I (Ia and Ib) and clade II (IIa and IIb). A global outbreak of clade IIb began in 2022 and continues, while growing outbreaks of clades Ia and Ib are affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. As of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa. 

CAPRISA has played an active role in the response to the mpox outbreak on multiple fronts. CAPRISA Director Prof Salim Abdool Karim chaired the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group, whose recommendations led to mpox being declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). CAPRISA scientists also highlighted the heightened risk of severe mpox in people with untreated HIV, drawing attention to the disproportionate impact of the outbreak in parts of Africa. Through immunologist Dr Aida Sivro, public webinars, and accessible Q&A resources, CAPRISA worked to counter misinformation including the misconception that mpox is limited to men who have sex with men and to promote evidence-based awareness around transmission, prevention, and early care-seeking.