The article discusses the resurgence of a deadlier strain of the infectious disease mpox, which originally spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to other African nations and the United States. A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows that knowledge and fear of mpox have declined among Americans since the initial outbreak in 2022. Only 5% of Americans are worried about contracting mpox in the next three months, down from 21% in August 2022. Knowledge about the disease has also decreased, with fewer people aware of important facts such as the existence of a vaccine and the lower contagiousness of mpox compared to Covid-19.
Mpox, discovered in 1958, is caused by an orthopox virus and is less deadly than smallpox. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, and painful rashes, and the disease can spread through contact with infected animals, individuals, or contaminated materials. The current outbreak involves a particularly virulent strain known as clade I, which is dangerous to young children. The World Health Organization is considering declaring a global health emergency due to the spread of this strain, which has resulted in over 14,000 cases and at least 511 deaths in 2024. The disease appears to be spreading through routine close contact and sexual transmission.
While the deadlier strain of mpox has not been reported outside central and east Africa, a less deadly strain known as clade II was responsible for the 2022 outbreak in the United States, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, despite efforts by the CDC to promote vaccination with two doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The CDC recommends vaccination for people with risk factors for mpox, including men who have sex with men.
Despite a decline in knowledge about mpox, there has been a slight decrease in people’s intentions to get vaccinated against the disease. The CDC urges individuals to receive two doses of the Jynneos vaccine to prevent the spread of mpox and protect individuals with risk factors. The latest survey data from ASAPH, the Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge survey, indicates that 70% of respondents in 2024 are either likely to get vaccinated against mpox or have already received the vaccine. However, 30% of respondents are not likely to get vaccinated if exposed to the virus, highlighting the need for continued efforts to educate the public about the importance of vaccination.
The survey data used in the article come from a nationally representative panel of 1,496 U.S. adults, first empaneled in April 2021. Conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and SSRS, an independent market research company, the survey was conducted in July 2024 and has a margin of sampling error of ± 3.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The results show a concerning decline in knowledge and fear of mpox among Americans, underscoring the importance of effective communication by public health organizations to ensure that individuals remember the symptoms, transmission modes, and protective power of vaccination against mpox.