Can mpox spread without symptoms, according to new research?

Yes, recent research suggests that mpox may be capable of asymptomatic transmission, meaning individuals can be infected and spread the virus without showing any symptoms.

What did the study in Nigeria reveal about mpox?

The study in Nigeria found mpox antibodies in about 3% of healthy adults, indicating recent infection without reported symptoms, suggesting widespread asymptomatic cases.

How might mpox monitoring change based on this research?

Researchers suggest moving beyond symptom-based tracking to actively testing blood samples for mpox antibodies in endemic areas for better understanding and control.

Home / Health / Mpox May Be Spreading More Widely in Africa Than Feared

Mpox May Be Spreading More Widely in Africa Than Feared

20 Jan

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Summary

Mpox may be spreading asymptomatically, challenging previous beliefs about the virus.
Study in Nigeria found mpox antibodies in 3% of healthy adults without symptoms.
Researchers suggest active blood testing for mpox exposure in endemic areas.

Mpox May Be Spreading More Widely in Africa Than Feared

New research indicates that mpox might be circulating more extensively across Africa than current estimates suggest, primarily due to asymptomatic transmission. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge analyzed blood samples from Nigerian adults and found that approximately 3% had antibodies indicating recent mpox infection, despite reporting no symptoms.

This finding challenges the long-held belief that mpox primarily spreads through symptomatic individuals. Researchers propose that actively testing blood samples for antibodies in regions where mpox is endemic, such as West and Central Africa, could offer a more effective surveillance method. Such an approach would aid in protecting vulnerable populations, including young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.