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Amid the ongoing global outbreak of Mpox, a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the virus does not spread easily through the air, unlike the COVID-19 virus. The findings provide important insights into how the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is transmitted, calming concerns about airborne transmission.
The CDC’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report included a study of 113 individuals with mpox who traveled on 221 flights between 2021 and 2022. Among the 1,046 passenger contacts followed by public health agencies, there were no secondary cases of mpox reported.
“Among the 1,046 traveler contacts followed by the US public health agencies, CDC identified no secondary cases,” the report stated. These results suggest that “traveling on a flight with a person infected with mpox does not appear to pose a significant exposure risk or necessitate routine contact tracing activities.”
However, the CDC continues to recommend that individuals with mpox isolate and avoid travel until they are no longer contagious. This is essential to prevent the spread of the virus through other means, particularly through close physical contact.
Transmission Primarily via Close Contact
While the study reinforces that airborne transmission of mpox is rare, the CDC clarified that mpox primarily spreads through close physical or intimate contact with infected individuals, especially through lesions. There is also a lesser possibility of transmission through infectious respiratory secretions and contaminated surfaces (fomites).
The findings apply to both clades of the monkeypox virus—clade I and clade II. The current outbreak has largely been driven by clade 1b, a strain historically linked to increased transmissibility, according to the CDC.
Global Mpox Surge and Concerns
Although mpox has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), concerns remain, particularly regarding its spread in African regions. The virus is increasingly infecting both adults and children, raising fears that it could be airborne. The surge in deaths, particularly among children, has further heightened public alarm.
Commenting on the situation, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the Indian Medical Association’s National COVID-19 Task Force, noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “The situation is different during close contact however, where respiratory droplets could still play a role.” This implies that although mpox is not airborne, respiratory droplets may contribute to transmission during prolonged close contact.
Spread Outside Africa
Outside Africa, cases of mpox’s clade 1b have been reported in Sweden and Thailand, with one case each identified so far. The global spread of this clade highlights the importance of continued vigilance and public health measures to contain the virus.
While the CDC report offers reassurance that air travel is not a major risk factor for mpox transmission, the outbreak continues to be a concern, particularly in regions with rising infection rates. Public health agencies globally are working to monitor the spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Public Health Recommendations
In light of these findings, the CDC urges individuals with mpox to follow isolation guidelines and delay travel until they are no longer infectious. Additionally, while routine contact tracing may not be necessary for air travel, people should remain aware of the virus’s primary transmission routes—close physical contact with infected individuals and exposure to contaminated surfaces.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the mpox outbreak, these findings provide clarity on transmission patterns, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions to control the virus’s spread.
