acozyfuture.com – As the world recovers from the shock of COVID-19, a new health concern is emerging: Mpox. Naturally, questions are arising—are the symptoms just as severe? Is Mpox as contagious as COVID-19?
The uncertainty has left many feeling vulnerable and unsure how to protect themselves. Fortunately, understanding the key similarities and differences between Mpox and COVID-19 can help ease fears and provide a clear path to prevention.
In this blog, we’ll break down what sets these two diseases apart and the best ways to stay safe. Parents, be sure to take notes for the safety of your little ones!
Mpox and COVID-19: What Is It?
Before we explore the similarities and differences between Mpox and COVID-19, it’s essential to understand what each disease is. Let’s start with the basics—what exactly are Mpox and COVID-19?
Mpox
Formerly known as monkeypox, Mpox is a rare infection caused by a virus that primarily circulates among animals in the forested areas of Central and West Africa. Recently, however, cases have been reported in several countries beyond this region [1].
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV). It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family [2].
Historically, Mpox was predominantly found in Central and West Africa. Infections were frequently observed in individuals who had interacted with probable animal reservoirs, while secondary transmission commonly occurred among household contacts [3].
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Pneumonia resulting from infection with SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in patients who were exposed at a seafood market in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019 [4].
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially designated the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge for governments, individuals, and society at large [5].
COVID-19 encompasses a range of clinical symptoms, commonly including fever, dry cough, and fatigue, frequently accompanied by lung-related issues. SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible, and the majority of people are vulnerable to infection [5].
Mpox and COVID-19: How Are They Similar?
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are viral infections that share several similarities, though they are caused by different viruses. Here's a detailed breakdown of their similarities:
1. Zoonotic Origins
Both Mpox and COVID-19 have zoonotic origins, meaning they originally jumped from animals to humans:
Mpox:
Caused by the Mpox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus (related to smallpox). The virus is believed to spread from animals (e.g., rodents or primates) to humans.
COVID-19:
Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, part of the coronavirus family. It likely originated from bats and possibly passed through an intermediate animal host before infecting humans.
2. Transmission via Close Contact
Both diseases can spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects:
Mpox:
Primarily spreads through direct contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials (e.g., bedding) [6].
COVID-19:
Primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and close contact with infected individuals [5]. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces.
3. Human-to-Human Transmission
Both Mpox and COVID-19 are transmissible between humans, although the modes of transmission differ slightly:
Mpox:
Requires prolonged close contact, often skin-to-skin contact or exposure to infectious lesions.
COVID-19:
Can spread more easily through the air via droplets and aerosols during coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing [7].
4. Similar Symptoms
Both Mpox and COVID-19 share some overlapping symptoms:
Fever:
A common early symptom in both diseases.
Fatigue and muscle aches:
Both conditions can cause general body weakness and muscle pain.
Respiratory symptoms:
While more prominent in COVID-19, Mpox can occasionally cause respiratory symptoms like a sore throat and cough, especially when there is exposure to respiratory droplets [7].
Headache:
Present in both infections.
5. Need for Quarantine and Isolation
Both diseases require quarantine and isolation measures to prevent spread:
Mpox:
Infected individuals need to be isolated until their lesions heal completely.
COVID-19:
Infected individuals should isolate for a specific period, based on symptoms and test results.
6. Risk to Immunocompromised Individuals
Both Mpox and COVID-19 can cause severe disease in individuals with weakened immune systems:
Mpox:
Immunocompromised individuals, especially those with HIV, can experience more severe disease progression [8].
COVID-19:
Individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe outcomes [9].
7. Public Health Responses
Both Mpox and COVID-19 outbreaks required rapid public health interventions, such as:
Surveillance and contact tracing:
To identify and contain outbreaks.
Vaccination:
Though different vaccines are used for each, both diseases prompted vaccine rollouts to reduce the spread:
Smallpox vaccines have shown efficacy against Mpox [2].
A range of COVID-19 vaccines was developed to combat SARS-CoV-2.
While Mpox is less contagious and generally less deadly than COVID-19, the similarities in transmission, symptoms, and public health response underline the challenges of managing emerging infectious diseases.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between Mpox and COVID-19!
Mpox and COVID-19: Differences Explained
Mpox and COVID-19 differ in various aspects. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences between these two diseases:
1. Contagiousness
Mpox:
Less contagious compared to COVID-19. Transmission typically requires close, prolonged contact, and it's often seen in confined social or intimate environments.
COVID-19:
Highly contagious, especially with variants like Delta and Omicron. It can spread easily in public settings and crowded places with brief contact.
2. Incubation Period
Mpox:
The incubation period is typically 7-14 days, though it can range from 5-21 days [10].
COVID-19:
The incubation period ranges from 2-14 days, with most cases showing symptoms around day 5. However, asymptomatic spread is common, complicating early detection [11].
3. Primary Symptoms
Mpox:
Symptoms often include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headaches, followed by a rash or skin lesions that can appear on the face, hands, feet, or other parts of the body. The defining feature of Mpox is the development of pox-like sores or pustules, which eventually form scabs and heal [12].
COVID-19:
Main symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and respiratory involvement (ranging from mild cough to severe pneumonia). A report also describes cases where children and adolescents experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea [13].
4. Severity of Disease
Mpox:
Generally less severe than COVID-19 for most individuals. While it can be uncomfortable due to the skin lesions, the mortality rate is low, particularly with the West African strain that has spread internationally.
COVID-19:
Disease severity can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening. It can lead to complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and severe pneumonia. The risk of severe disease increases with age, preexisting health conditions, and compromised immune systems.
5. Affected Body Systems
Mpox:
Primarily affects the skin and lymphatic system, with lesions being a central feature [14]. It can also involve the respiratory system if transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, but this is less common.
COVID-19:
Primarily affects the respiratory system, causing anything from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe lung damage. However, it can also affect other organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver, leading to a wide array of complications [5].
6. Mortality Rate
Mpox:
Generally low mortality rate, especially with the West African strain (~1% or less). However, a more severe form (Congo Basin strain) has a higher mortality rate, around 10% [3].
COVID-19:
Mortality rates vary by country, age group, and health status, but on average, it ranges from 1-3%, with higher rates in older populations and those with underlying health conditions. Variants like Delta and Omicron have affected these rates [5].
7. Diagnostic Testing
Mpox:
Diagnosis is usually done through PCR testing of lesion samples. Mpox lesions are a clear clinical sign, and laboratory testing confirms the presence of the virus [14].
COVID-19:
Diagnostic testing includes PCR tests, rapid antigen tests, and serology tests [15]. Testing is more frequent and widely available compared to Mpox, reflecting the large-scale nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These differences underscore the distinct ways in which Mpox and COVID-19 spread, manifest, and impact public health. While they share some transmission and symptom similarities, their specific characteristics make managing and controlling each disease unique.
Now that we’ve explored the similarities and differences between Mpox and COVID-19, let’s move on to the most crucial part: How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones?
Here’s a practical guide to help you stay safe and protected!
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe and Protected
Here are key tips to help you stay safe from both Mpox and COVID-19:
General Safety Tips
Maintain Good Hand Hygiene
Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid Close Contact
Limit close, direct contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms of illness, especially if they have visible rashes (for Mpox) or respiratory symptoms (for COVID-19).
Disinfect Surfaces
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.
Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date with the latest public health guidelines and advice from trusted health organizations.
Safety Tips for Mpox
Avoid Physical Contact with Lesions
Avoid touching or coming into contact with rashes, lesions, or scabs on infected individuals.
Don’t Share Personal Items
Do not share items like towels, bedding, or clothing with someone infected with Mpox.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If you are caring for someone with Mpox, use gloves, masks, and other protective gear when handling bedding, clothing, or cleaning surfaces.
Vaccination
Consider getting vaccinated if you are at higher risk (e.g., health workers, individuals exposed to Mpox, or part of a high-risk community).
Safety Tips for COVID-19
If new cases emerge, it's essential to:
Wear a Mask
In crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, wearing a mask can reduce the risk of inhaling respiratory droplets.
Practice Social Distancing
Maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
Get Vaccinated and Boosted
Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses for enhanced protection.
Monitor for Symptoms
Keep an eye on any potential COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and self-isolate if you feel unwell or test positive.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences and similarities between Mpox and COVID-19 is crucial for staying informed and prepared. While both diseases share some commonalities, they also have unique characteristics that require different approaches to prevention and treatment.
By staying vigilant, following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from these viruses. Stay safe and good luck!
Related Article:
Mpox: Are Children at Risk of Contracting the Disease?
References:
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