Mpox's airborne transmission risk is lower than COVID-19

A recent study from A*STAR research centers has examined how mpox might spread through the air, comparing it to COVID-19 and smallpox. Researchers used advanced computer modeling to understand the risks of airborne transmission of this virus. The research, published in The Lancet Microbe, combined virology and computer simulations. It aimed to determine if mpox could become easily transmissible through the air like smallpox. Currently, close contact is the main way mpox spreads, but the virus is found in respiratory fluids, raising concerns about aerosol transmission. To analyze this, scientists modeled how respiratory aerosols behave in typical indoor environments. Their results indicated that people would need to inhale much larger amounts of mpox compared to SARS-CoV-2 and smallpox to become infected. This means that, as of now, effective airborne transmission of mpox is unlikely. However, the researchers warned that changes in the virus could change this situation, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring. Dr. Matthew Tay, a lead scientist in the study, emphasized the benefits of teamwork between different scientific fields. The integration of virology expertise and advanced modeling helped answer important questions about mpox transmission. Dr. Fong Yew Leong, another key researcher, noted the importance of accurate modeling in assessing transmission risks. The study also identified gaps in knowledge regarding how much airborne mpox is needed to infect humans. The authors advocate for continued observation of mpox variants to anticipate any changes in how the virus spreads.