5 Key Differences Between Mpox And COVID-19

When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency for the second time in two years, many people began to wonder: is this the new Covid-19? While the concern is valid, scientists and health experts quickly stepped in to clear the air, reassuring everyone that mpox is not the new Covid. Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, put it simply: “Mpox is not the new Covid. The risk to the general population is low. We know how to control mpox.”

Though both diseases are caused by viruses and have spread globally, they differ in many important ways.

Here are five key differences between mpox and Covid-19, sprinkled with a touch of humor to keep things light.

1. Mpox Isn’t the New Kid on the Block

While Covid-19 burst onto the scene in late 2019, leaving the world scrambling to understand it, mpox has been around since 1958 when it was first detected in monkeys held in captivity in Denmark. The first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Since then, mpox outbreaks have been reported in various parts of West and Central Africa. By contrast, Covid-19 is a new virus caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which led to a global pandemic with unprecedented speed.

2. Mpox Isn’t as Contagious as Covid-19

One of the most alarming aspects of Covid-19 was its ability to spread rapidly through the air. You could catch it just by being in the same room with someone who coughed, sneezed, or even sang (so much for karaoke night). Mpox, on the other hand, spreads through very close or prolonged contact with an infected person, such as skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, or by handling contaminated bedding and clothing. It’s like comparing a sprinter (Covid) with a marathoner (mpox); both can get the job done, but one takes a lot longer.

3. Vaccines Are Already in the Arsenal Against Mpox

Remember the frantic global race to develop Covid-19 vaccines? Thankfully, we don’t need to go through that with mpox. Vaccines that offer protection against mpox already exist, thanks to its relation to smallpox, a disease that was eradicated in 1980 through vaccination. The smallpox vaccine provides protection against mpox, especially for older folks who might still have some immunity left over from their childhood vaccinations. So, while Covid-19 had us desperately looking for a needle, with mpox, we already have a tried-and-true one in hand.

4. Mpox Virus Mutates at a Slower Pace

Viruses change over time, but some are like chameleons on a caffeine rush, constantly adapting, while others are more like a tortoise taking its sweet time. Mpox is caused by a DNA virus, which changes more slowly compared to the RNA virus behind Covid-19. This means fewer variants to keep track of and less confusion about which strain is currently running the show. With fewer surprises from mpox, we can all breathe a little easier.

5. No Lockdowns or Border Closures on the Horizon

One of the biggest fears when a new disease spreads is the dreaded lockdown. However, despite mpox spreading to 16 countries in Africa over the past two years, there’s no need to panic. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has not recommended closing borders or implementing movement restrictions. Dr. Jean Kaseya, the agency’s director general, assured everyone that the movement of people and goods will continue as usual.