Mpox, a viral disease that spreads through close contact, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and continues to expand globally, with a new strain now reaching countries that had never reported cases before. The virus causes a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever, and can leave permanent scars. Understanding how it spreads and what protective steps matter is increasingly important as cases rise in multiple regions.

What Is Mpox and How Does It Spread?

Mpox is caused by an orthopoxvirus and spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the infection. The disease can make people very sick and leave lasting scars on the skin. A global outbreak began in May 2022 and has continued to the present day. In recent months, cases have been increasing significantly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a new strain called Clade Ib has emerged and is causing outbreaks in previously unaffected areas of the country.

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighboring countries a public health emergency of international concern. This designation signals that the outbreak poses a significant risk to global health and requires coordinated international response efforts.

Why Is the New Mpox Strain a Concern?

The emergence of Clade Ib represents a critical turning point in the mpox outbreak. This new strain has spread to countries that had not previously reported any mpox cases, expanding the geographic footprint of the disease beyond its traditional boundaries. The ability of this variant to establish itself in new populations suggests it may have characteristics that make transmission easier or that allow it to evade some existing immunity in communities.

The symptoms of mpox infection include a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Beyond the acute illness, survivors often face permanent scarring, which can affect both physical appearance and psychological well-being. The severity of illness means that preventing infection is far preferable to treating it after exposure.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others From Mpox

• Avoid Close Contact: Since mpox spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, limiting physical contact with people who have symptoms is the most effective prevention strategy. This includes avoiding skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and sharing bedding or clothing with someone who has mpox.
• Recognize Symptoms Early: Being aware of mpox symptoms, such as a distinctive rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, allows you to seek medical care promptly and avoid spreading the virus to others. Early identification of symptoms in yourself or partners is crucial for containment.
• Practice Safe Hygiene: Regular handwashing, cleaning surfaces that may have been touched by someone with mpox, and avoiding sharing personal items like towels or razors can reduce transmission risk in household and community settings.
• Stay Informed About Outbreaks: Monitoring local health department updates and WHO situation reports helps you understand whether mpox is circulating in your area and what precautions health authorities are recommending.

The WHO is actively working with affected countries and international partners to contain these outbreaks. Health agencies have released clinical management guidelines and infection prevention protocols to help healthcare workers and communities respond effectively to cases.

As of the most recent WHO situation report from July 31, 2026, the multi-country outbreak continues to evolve, with ongoing surveillance and response efforts across affected regions. The global strategic preparedness and response plan developed by the WHO and African CDC provides a framework for countries to strengthen detection, response capacity, and vaccination efforts where available.

For individuals concerned about mpox exposure, consulting with a healthcare provider about personal risk factors and available preventive measures is advisable. Healthcare professionals can assess individual circumstances and provide guidance tailored to local outbreak status and personal exposure risk.