Mpox Or Monkeypox: 5 Misconceptions About This Virus

As the Mpox epidemic is rapidly spreading in Africa and is likely to reach Europe, many rumors and misconceptions are circulating about this virus. We will help you get a clearer understanding and debunk 5 myths about monkeypox.

1- Mpox is the new Covid.

Less than five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, it is normal for the announcement of a new epidemic to worry the general public. Regarding the Mpox or monkeypox epidemic, some do not hesitate to talk about a "new Covid" and fear potential health measures.

But, in reality, the situation is not comparable. Currently, the health situation in Europe is not considered alarming by health authorities.

According to the press release from the Pasteur Institute on August 19, 2024, this new virus is rapidly mutating and the number of monkeypox cases is increasing rapidly in Africa. But Europe remains relatively spared.

Experts deem it very likely that there will be imported cases in Europe. However, the risk of a lasting epidemic on our continent is low if these cases are diagnosed quickly and control measures are taken.

2- Wearing a mask will become mandatory again.

Among the rumors circulating about the Mpox outbreak on the Internet, one of the most persistent claims that mask-wearing will once again become mandatory in France. This is yet another one of the 5 misconceptions about this virus. This measure is not currently being considered, according to the World Health Organization.

For now, mask-wearing only applies to people who have been infected with the monkeypox virus. In case of confirmed contamination by monkeypox, the patient must wear a surgical mask in the presence of others until recovery.

Additionally, caregivers and all those responsible for the sick must protect themselves from contamination by wearing an FFP2 mask, a gown, gloves, and goggles.

3- We are going to undergo a new lockdown.

Among the fears raised by the Mpox outbreak, the one that stirs the web the most is, of course, the threat of a new lockdown. This rumor is fueled by conspiracy theories and by internet users who have painful memories of the successive lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though it is legitimate to wonder if we will have to lock down again to face this virus, the answer to this question is no. The idea of a new lockdown has been dismissed by Hans Kluge, the WHO director in Europe, during a press briefing on August 20, 2024.

4- We are not prepared for the Mpox virus.

In the press release of August 19, 2024, the Pasteur Institute announced that it is ready to test and vaccinate patients who may be infected by different sub-viruses of Mpox, in order to contain this epidemic that is progressing in Africa.

In this statement, the Pasteur Institute aimed to be reassuring. It declared that its researchers have been mobilized to better understand and contain monkeypox since the 2022 epidemic.

The Institute, which has teams of researchers specialized in infectious diseases, is ready to ensure precise monitoring of the virus through the following three measures:
• the analysis of suspicious samples to quickly identify the new strain of Mpox, called clade1b.
• the conducting of tests to confirm the diagnosis in patients whose symptoms suggest monkeypox.
• the ability to immediately vaccinate people who are infected or at increased risk of contamination.

5- We are all going to have to get vaccinated against Mpox.

The last of the 5 misconceptions about the Mpox epidemic concerns vaccination. To date, mass vaccination against monkeypox is not at all considered by health authorities. WHO does not recommend vaccinating everyone against this virus, as was the case for Covid-19.

To combat the monkeypox virus, WHO and the French High Authority of Health rather recommend vaccinating at-risk groups such as:
• healthcare professionals who have been exposed to the virus without protection.
• sex workers and professionals in sexual consumption venues.
• men who have sex with men.
• trans people reporting multiple sexual partners.

For healthcare professionals who have been exposed to the virus without personal protection, it is possible to carry out post-exposure vaccination. In this case, the vaccine should be administered ideally within four days after the risky contact, not exceeding 14 days.

For children, post-exposure vaccination is only considered after a strict assessment of benefits and risks. This vaccination is carried out with parental consent.