Listen to Story The declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) making mpox a global health emergency has brought it to the spotlight, triggering a high alert in many countries. With mpox spreading to over 116 countries, it may appear similar to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a WHO official recently said that "mpox is not the new Covid" , which means that a pandemic like the Covid-19 is highly unlikely.
MPOX VS COVID-19 Mpox and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses, each belonging to distinct viral families with unique genetic compositions and characteristics. The mpox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus responsible for smallpox. Mpox is a DNA virus with a double-stranded genome, which is relatively stable compared to RNA viruses.
This stability means that the mpox virus mutates at a slower rate , leading to fewer and more gradual changes in its strains over time. Mpox and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses, each belonging to distinct viral families. (Photo: Getty Images) Historically, two main strains of the mpox virus have been identified: the Central African (Congo Basin) strain (Clade 1b), which is more virulent and has a higher mortality rate, and the West African strain (Clade 2), which is less severe.
In contrast, Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a member of the coronavirus family. This is an RNA virus, which means it is a single-stranded RNA genome that is more prone to mutations. The high mutation rate in RNA viruses has led to the emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.
These variants, such as Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, have shown significant differences in their transmissibility, severity, and ability to evade immunity. The frequent mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have led to continuous monitoring and adjustments in vaccination strategies. The key difference between the strains of mpox and Covid-19 lies in the nature and pace of their evolution.
The relatively stable DNA genome of mpox leads to slower changes and fewer variants, while the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 allows for rapid evolution and the emergence of numerous variants with distinct properties. Symptoms The symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A key symptom is a rash that progresses to fluid-filled blisters, often starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body.
A key symptom of mpox is a rash that progresses to fluid-filled blisters. (Photo: Reuters) Symptoms of Covid-19 vary widely but typically include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Some cases of Covid-19 can also be asymptomatic.
Transmission Mpox primarily spreads through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact and from contaminated objects like bedding. Covid-19 mainly spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes.
It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. Incubation Period Mpox is typically lasts 5 to 21 days, while Covid-19 usually lasts 2 to 14 days. Severity and Mortality Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, with a mortality rate ranging from 1% to 10%, depending on the strain and the region.
Most cases are mild and self-limiting. Covid-19 mainly spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols. (Photo: PTI) The severity of Covid-19 varies widely, from mild or asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and death.
The mortality rate varies based on factors like age, underlying health conditions, and access to healthcare. Vaccination The smallpox vaccine provides some protection against mpox. Specific mpox vaccines have been developed and are used in outbreak situations.
There are currently two vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) being used for mpox, recommended by WHO experts and approved by health authorities in several countries. There are currently two vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) being used for mpox. (Photo: Getty Images) Several vaccines specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2 have been developed and widely administered globally.
Current vaccines that have been administered worldwide are Covishield, Covaxin, Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna. Prevention Mpox can be prevented through vaccination, practising personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently. If you're at risk of mpox and haven't been vaccinated, don't be in close contact with anyone, this includes skin-to-skin touch and sex.
Avoid contact with objects that a person with mpox has used. Covid-19 can be prevented by isolation or quarantines, social distancing, widespread vaccination, and maintaining personal hygiene..
