Chloe Ramirez
Smallpox and monkeypox are both caused by orthopoxviruses. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, is a serious disease that was eradicated in 1980. Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is a rare disease with similar but milder symptoms to smallpox. Due to the close relation between the viruses, the smallpox vaccine provided some cross-protection against monkeypox. However, as smallpox vaccinations ceased, immunity to monkeypox decreased. A two-dose vaccine, JYNNEOS™, has since been developed to protect against both diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Monkeypox virus discovered | 1958 in Denmark in monkeys kept for research |
| First reported human case of monkeypox | 1970 in a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Smallpox eradication | 1980 |
| Monkeypox emergence | Central, east and west Africa |
| Monkeypox virus | A species of the genus Orthopoxvirus |
| Monkeypox clades | Clade I (Ia and Ib) and Clade II (IIa and IIb) |
| Global outbreak of monkeypox | 2022-2023, caused by Clade IIb |
| Monkeypox symptoms | Skin rash, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes |
| Monkeypox transmission | Close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, infected animals |
| Smallpox virus | Variola virus, an acute infectious illness |
| Smallpox eradicated | 1940s in the USA |
| Smallpox vaccine invented | 1796 by Edward Jenner |
| Smallpox vaccine effectiveness | 85% effective in preventing monkeypox |
| Smallpox-monkeypox vaccine | JYNNEOS™ |
| JYNNEOS™ administration | 2 injections, 4 weeks apart |
| JYNNEOS™ side effects | Redness, soreness, swelling, itching, fatigue, headache, muscle pain |
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What You'll Learn
- Smallpox and monkeypox are both caused by orthopoxviruses
- The smallpox vaccine can offer cross-protection against monkeypox
- Monkeypox is usually transmitted through direct physical contact
- JYNNEOS™ is a two-dose vaccine that protects against smallpox and monkeypox
- Monkeypox is a rare disease with milder symptoms than smallpox
Smallpox and monkeypox are both caused by orthopoxviruses
Orthopoxviruses are a family of viruses that include the variola, monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses. These viruses can cause serious illnesses in humans, such as smallpox and monkeypox. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, is an acute infectious illness that has been around for at least 3000 years. It is believed to have originated in India and Egypt around 1000 BC and has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Smallpox is characterised by excruciating blisters, often leaving survivors with scars, disfigurement, or blindness. The smallpox vaccine, invented by Edward Jenner in 1796, played a crucial role in eradicating the disease.
Monkeypox, while less deadly than smallpox, is still a significant concern. It typically spreads through close physical contact with an infected individual or their bodily fluids. The symptoms of monkeypox include a skin rash, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash associated with monkeypox often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles of the feet.
The close relationship between smallpox and monkeypox viruses has led to some cross-protection. The smallpox vaccine provided some immunity against monkeypox, and individuals who received the smallpox vaccine during nationwide programs are believed to have continuing immunity. However, as the number of smallpox vaccinations decreased, the global population's immunity to both smallpox and monkeypox declined. The recent emergence of monkeypox outbreaks in non-endemic countries has raised concerns about the changing transmission patterns and the potential for a larger global threat.
To address the monkeypox outbreaks, vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox have been developed, such as JYNNEOS™. This vaccine is approved for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox in adults at high risk of infection. It is typically administered as a series of two injections, given four weeks apart. While JYNNEOS™ is effective in providing protection, it is important to continue practising risk reduction measures, such as avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals.
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The smallpox vaccine can offer cross-protection against monkeypox
The smallpox vaccine was highly effective, and smallpox was eradicated in 1980. As a result, the global population's immunity to smallpox and cross-protection against mpox has decreased over time. However, recent outbreaks of mpox have raised concerns about the continued spread of the disease. Mpox is caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes variola (smallpox), cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
Studies have shown that the smallpox vaccine can provide cross-protection against mpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that, based on past data collected in Africa, the smallpox vaccine is at least 85% effective in preventing mpox. While older adults who were vaccinated against smallpox may still be susceptible to mpox infection, they are likely to experience only mild symptoms. The smallpox/mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS™) is specifically designed to protect against both smallpox and mpox. It is made using a weakened live vaccinia virus and is approved for use in adults aged 18 and older who are at high risk of infection.
JYNNEOS™ is typically administered as a series of two injections, given four weeks apart. People who have previously received the smallpox vaccine may only need one dose. Booster doses may be recommended every two or ten years for those who remain at risk of exposure to smallpox or mpox. While the smallpox vaccine can offer some protection against mpox, it is important to note that mpox can cause death, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, vaccination should be considered along with other public health interventions to prevent the spread of mpox.
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Monkeypox is usually transmitted through direct physical contact
Monkeypox, now known as mpox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research in Denmark. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mpox is closely related to the variola virus, which causes smallpox.
Mpox is usually transmitted through direct physical contact. It spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who has mpox. This includes members of the same household and intimate contact such as cuddling, kissing, or sexual contact. The disease can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions during sexual activities, as rashes can sometimes appear on the genitals and in the mouth. Mouth-to-skin contact can also cause transmission when there are lesions present.
In addition to direct physical contact, mpox can be transmitted through contact with contaminated materials or infected animals. This includes contact with saliva, respiratory secretions, blood, or other bodily fluids from an infected person or animal. It can also be transmitted through contact with materials such as clothing, bedding, towels, and eating utensils that have been contaminated. Vertical transmission from a pregnant woman to the fetus during pregnancy or at birth is also possible.
While mpox is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact, it can also be spread through respiratory droplets during close face-to-face contact. However, this mode of transmission is less likely compared to skin-to-skin contact. It is important to note that the transmission dynamics of mpox are still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand how the disease spreads.
To prevent the spread of mpox, vaccination is recommended for individuals at higher risk. The JYNNEOS™ vaccine is approved for the prevention of mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at high risk of infection. It is administered as a series of two injections, four weeks apart.
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JYNNEOS™ is a two-dose vaccine that protects against smallpox and monkeypox
Monkeypox, or mpox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. It was first discovered in monkeys kept for research in Denmark in 1958, and the first reported human case was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since then, mpox has been reported in several African countries, with sporadic outbreaks in other parts of the world, including the 2022 global outbreak.
Smallpox, on the other hand, is caused by the variola virus, which is also part of the Orthopoxvirus family. Smallpox was a devastating illness responsible for millions of deaths worldwide before it was eradicated through vaccination efforts. The smallpox vaccine, invented by Edward Jenner in 1796, was the first effective vaccination ever.
While there are distinct differences between smallpox and monkeypox, the two viruses are closely related. Vaccination against smallpox provided some cross-protection against monkeypox. However, as smallpox vaccination has been discontinued in many countries, immunity against both viruses has decreased.
JYNNEOS™ is a vaccine specifically designed to protect against both smallpox and monkeypox. It is a live, non-replicating viral vaccine licensed for use in adults aged 18 years and older. The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, with the doses given 28 days apart through subcutaneous injection. Each dose contains 0.5 mL of the weakened live vaccinia virus, which cannot cause smallpox, monkeypox, or any other infectious disease.
The development and deployment of JYNNEOS™ are crucial in the ongoing battle against monkeypox outbreaks. The vaccine has shown promising results in clinical trials, with high survival rates in vaccinated animals compared to controls. Additionally, during the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, nearly 1 million doses of JYNNEOS™ were administered in the United States, contributing to the management of the outbreak.
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Monkeypox is a rare disease with milder symptoms than smallpox
Monkeypox, now known as mpox, is a rare disease that mostly affects tropical rainforest areas of western and central Africa. It was first discovered in monkeys kept for research in Denmark in 1958, and the first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the smallpox-causing variola virus.
Mpox is a viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and a sore throat. The characteristic rash of mpox often begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, including the palms and soles. These symptoms typically last 2-4 weeks but may persist longer in individuals with weakened immune systems. While mpox can be fatal, it is considered a milder disease compared to smallpox.
Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, was one of the most terrible illnesses known to mankind, responsible for millions of deaths over at least 3000 years. It was characterized by excruciating blisters that often led to scarring, disfigurement, or blindness in survivors. The case fatality rate of the "typical" form of smallpox was approximately 30%, while the "modified" form, which occurred in vaccinated individuals, had a much lower fatality rate of 2-25% and was seldom deadly.
In contrast, mpox typically causes deep-seated, well-circumscribed, stiff, or rubbery lesions that frequently develop umbilication. The case fatality rate for mpox is not clearly defined but is considered lower than that of smallpox. Mpox outbreaks have been increasing in recent years, possibly due to the decline in smallpox vaccine-induced immunity. However, the rarity and milder nature of mpox symptoms compared to smallpox are important distinctions between these two diseases.
To prevent the spread of mpox, vaccination is recommended for individuals at higher risk. The JYNNEOS™ vaccine, approved for individuals 18 years and older, can protect against both smallpox and mpox. It is administered as a series of two injections, four weeks apart, and may cause minor side effects such as redness, soreness, swelling, and itching at the injection site.
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Frequently asked questions
Smallpox is a very serious disease caused by the variola virus. It is an acute infectious illness that has been around for at least 3000 years and is believed to have resulted in millions of fatalities. Monkeypox, on the other hand, is a rare disease with symptoms that are similar to but milder than those of smallpox. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is closely related to the variola virus.
Yes, there are vaccines for both smallpox and monkeypox. The smallpox vaccine was invented by Edward Jenner in 1796 and played a crucial role in eradicating the disease. The monkeypox vaccine, known as JYNNEOS™, is a two-dose vaccine that provides protection against both monkeypox and smallpox. It is approved by the FDA for individuals 18 years or older who are at high risk of infection.
No, the JYNNEOS™ vaccine is designed to protect against both smallpox and monkeypox, as well as other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses. However, it is important to note that the vaccine is not a cure and does not cause either disease.
According to the CDC, if you have recovered from monkeypox, also known as mpox, getting the JYNNEOS™ vaccine doses is not recommended at this time. While it is possible to get mpox again after recovering from it, it is very rare, occurring in less than 0.001% of cases.
