[Jeon Seung-min's Science World] Will Monkeypox Become the Second COVID-19?

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Monkeypox (Wondoo) is rampant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 6th, 780 cases of Wondoo infection have been confirmed so far in 27 non-endemic countries. By region, the UK has the highest number with 207 cases, followed by Spain with 156, Portugal with 138, and Canada with 58. In addition, infection cases have been reported in Argentina, Australia, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, indicating a rapid spread. Fortunately, there have been no reports of deaths yet.

Wondoo is a cousin of the disease we call 'smallpox.' A similar disease affects cattle, which is called 'cowpox.' However, Wondoo appears to be closer to smallpox than cowpox. Because of this, many people express great concern about Wondoo. Generations that have experienced how terrifying smallpox was find it difficult to take Wondoo lightly.

Smallpox, also known as mama, duchang, or jeoksabyeong, is highly contagious. The fatality rate is about 30% when infected, which is extremely high. However, it was completely eradicated after the vaccine developed by Edward Jenner using cowpox began to be distributed. Since the last outbreak in 1977, no natural cases have been found. Nevertheless, countries around the world, including South Korea, maintain large stocks of smallpox vaccines. This is because there is no way to prevent its use as a biological weapon in terrorism or war situations. Smallpox is that contagious and deadly.

So, is Wondoo as dangerous as smallpox? It is difficult to say so. Wondoo has two types: the Congo type with a fatality rate of 10% and the West African type with less than 1%. All cases reported recently in the UK and other countries are of the West African type. It is hard to consider it a completely new disease. It is a viral disease that has increased in West Africa over the past decade and was not well known because it rarely spread outside the region.

There are concerns about a pandemic like COVID-19. However, the situation is entirely different. Unlike COVID-19, Wondoo already has treatments and preventive medicines. Many countries have sufficient vaccines because the smallpox vaccine developed in the past can be used as is. It is known to have about 85% preventive effectiveness. Also, continuous production and distribution are maintained to keep stockpiles in each country. There is also a treatment drug called 'TPOXX.'

The transmissibility is not comparable to COVID-19. Respiratory infection is not a major concern, and transmission between humans is known to be even weaker. Unlike COVID-19, Wondoo appears to be contagious only after symptoms appear, making it easier to detect and isolate confirmed cases. If Wondoo transmission worsens, vaccination may be recommended, but it is more likely to be targeted at people who have had close contact with infected individuals rather than large-scale quarantine.

Wondoo symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle pain, and lymph node swelling. The rash starts on the face and can spread over the entire body. Infection occurs through contact with bodily fluids or contamination from Wondoo skin lesions, so it is important to be aware of this. Wondoo is a disease we must pay close attention to and prepare for, but it does not seem necessary to worry excessively. It is time to reduce social confusion and calmly devise the best countermeasures.

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Writer

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.