As mpox (formerly monkeypox) has been declared a global public health emergency, some are wondering whether the virus poses the risk of a COVID-like pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the mpox outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” on Aug. 14, based on a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and multiple African countries.

As of Aug. 17, there were 545 reports of mpox cases since the outbreak was declared, 474 of which were confirmed, according to data from WHO.

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Symptoms include a sometimes painful rash on various parts of the body, fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are two types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Clade 2 was the strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak, the CDC noted. Survival rates for this type are more than 99.9%.

Clade 1, which is responsible for the current outbreak in the DRC and Africa, causes more severe illness and deaths. 

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“Some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates,” the CDC noted. 

“The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when announcing the public health emergency. 

“People are not going to catch mpox by being on the same bus or running into someone at the grocery store.”

“On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives.”

Is mpox the next COVID?

While health officials have expressed concern about the spread of a new strain of the potentially deadly virus, the consensus is that mpox is not likely to become a pandemic like COVID — primarily because it doesn’t spread in the same way.

“Certainly not,” said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, during a conversation with Fox News Digital.

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“What made COVID so contagious is that it is a respiratory virus spread by aerosols, so that even casual contact — being in the same room with someone for a reasonable period of time — meant you could catch [the virus]” from that person.

Another difference is that COVID is contagious starting from a day or so before someone develops symptoms, Kuritzkes pointed out. 

Symptoms of mpox include a sometimes painful rash on various parts of the body, fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms. (iStock)

“By contrast, mpox requires close contact (skin-to-skin) for transmission in the vast majority of cases,” he said.

“Rarely, heavily contaminated material such as bedding can be infectious, but people are not going to catch mpox by being on the same bus or running into someone at the grocery store.”

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While mpox is far less contagious than COVID, it could potentially cause a “widely distributed epidemic” through sexual contact, according to Kuritzkes.

“HIV is now pandemic (found in all countries across the globe), but as high as the numbers are, it is not transmitted by casual contact,” he said. “The same is true of mpox.”

To prevent transmission of mpox, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, are age 18 or older, and have other specific risks. (PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, echoed that mpox is “not the new COVID.”

“It spreads via direct contact or sex, and kissing, and very close respiratory droplets, but not over longer distances by respiratory spread,” he told Fox News Digital.  

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“Clade 1 is currently in DRC and neighboring African countries,” Siegel said. 

“The U.S. has increased surveillance, including wastewater analysis, but there have been no cases [of Clade 1] found here yet.” 

This undated image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in a laboratory at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. (NIAID via AP, File)

Dr. Brad Perkins, chief medical officer at Karius, a California life sciences company focused on saving lives from infectious diseases, reiterated that mpox is “considerably less infectious” for person-to-person spread than COVID-19. 

“Mpox is primarily spread from person-to-person, usually through direct contact, including intimate contact — but on average, there are fewer people who become infected as a result of contact with a mpox case compared to COVID-19,” he told Fox News Digital.

Who is most at risk?

“While mpox can affect anyone, data has shown that men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted, with a notable disease burden among Black and Hispanic men,” Perkins noted.

“This highlights the importance of early recognition and diagnosis, in addition to awareness and targeted vaccination of those who are at highest risk.”

“While mpox can affect anyone, data has shown that men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted.”

As with other viral infections, those who are immunocompromised or very young are at the greatest risk of severe infection, according to Kuritzkes.   

“For mpox, the main concern is for people with HIV who are not currently receiving effective antiretroviral therapy,” he added.

Patients wait outside the consultation room of an mpox treatment center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Aug. 16, 2024. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said in a video message that the country “has recorded 15,664 potential cases and 548 deaths since the beginning of the year,” with all 26 provinces affected. (Getty Images)

Even after the infection has cleared, survivors can face long-term effects and complications, Perkins warned.

“Conditions like vision impairment, encephalitis and scarring have been reported,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“We need deeper research into characterizing and addressing these long-term sequelae.”

To prevent transmission of mpox, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, are age 18 or older, and have other specific risks.

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Those risks include new diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases and a recent history of multiple sex partners, among others.

“Second, and most obviously, would be to avoid close contact with people who have mpox lesions,” said Kuritzkes.

Doctors take samples from a patient at an mpox treatment center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Aug. 16, 2024. (Getty Images)

“The big issue is getting the vaccine to the people who need it in Central and West Africa to end the current outbreak.”

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent 50,000 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to DRC, Siegel noted — “but there is still a worldwide shortage of this vaccine, which will prove crucial to stop the spread, especially if the outbreak widens.”

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In addition to the current vaccines and antiviral treatments that are available, Perkins stressed the need for new innovations in mpox diagnostics, therapeutics and preventive measures.

A diet high in meat — particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat — could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.

In analyzing data from nearly two million people who participated in 31 studies across 20 countries, the researchers found that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day — equivalent of two slices of ham or bacon, or one small sausage — led to a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next decade, as a press release from the university noted.

Eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat per day — roughly a small steak — led to a 10% greater risk.

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The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Eating 100 grams of poultry initially was shown to increase type 2 diabetes risk by 8%, but that link became weaker when tested in different scenarios, which suggests that further research is needed.

“Our findings provide the largest and most comprehensive evidence to date of the association between meat consumption and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said lead author Dr Chunxiao Li, of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, in an email to Fox News Digital.

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“The link between eating processed meat and red meat and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is strong and consistent across populations in different world regions and countries.”

In their analysis, the researchers took into account a wide range of factors, such as age, gender, health-related behaviors (such as smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity), energy intake, body weight, waist circumference and family history of diabetes, as well as other foods that are consumed, Li said.

Deli meats or canned meats can easily have 500 to 1500 mg of sodium per serving, according to a registered dietitian nutritionist. (iStock)

This study follows several others that previously suggested this link.

“It was important that we extended the investigation to under-represented populations in countries outside of North America and Europe, which have previously largely dominated research,” said Li.

‘Example of observational research’

Ken D. Berry, M.D., a board-certified family physician who practices medicine in rural Tennessee, disagrees with the premise that meat consumption increases diabetes risk.

“This is an example of observational research,” Berry, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital via email.

“By its very nature, it can never show that one thing causes another thing to happen,” he went on. “All this type of research can do is report a possible association between one thing and another.”

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Sophie Lauver, a Baltimore-based registered dietitian at Aeroflow Diabetes, which helps patients with diabetes obtain the supplies they need, said that people who eat more meat may tend to eat less of other foods known to promote health and reduce disease risk, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. 

“All this type of research can do is report a possible association between one thing and another.” 

— Dr. Ken D. Berry

“Meat is also a source of saturated fat, and diets high in fat are linked with insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes,” Lauver, who also did not participate in the research, told Fox News Digital. 

There is also the likelihood that people who eat meat may be eating it in large amounts, according to Lauver.

Some dietitians recommend prioritizing plant-based foods rather than eating a diet heavy on meat and animal products. (iStock)

“With this eating pattern, meat tends to be the center of the plate rather than foods lower in calories, higher in fiber, and rich in natural plant compounds,” she said. 

“We’re also learning about the importance of a diverse microbiome in obesity and diabetes prevention, and this is achieved by eating a varied diet rich in plant foods.”

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Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, who practices as The Lupus Dietitian, warned that processed meat consumption can be inflammatory, and high intake of saturated fats can increase insulin resistance.

“Processed meats can contain a large portion of the recommended daily intake of sodium in one serving,” said Freirich, who is also unaffiliated with the research.

“For example, deli meats or canned meats can easily have 500 to 1500 mg of sodium per serving.”

Potential limitations

The data used to measure how much food people ate were mostly based on a one-time questionnaire, Li noted.

“Previous research shows that measuring food intake just once is less accurate than doing it multiple times, and this tends to weaken the observed connection to health risks,” she told Fox News Digital.

Eating 100 grams of unprocessed red meat per day — roughly a small steak — led to a 10% greater risk of type 2 diabetes, the researchers claim. (iStock)

“Therefore, our findings indicate an association between meat intake and developing type 2 diabetes, but the actual link might be stronger than what we found.”

Berry agreed that the questionnaire format is a large limitation.

“This type of research is based on multiple-choice tests given to study participants called Food Frequency Questionnaires,” he said. 

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“Participants often fill out these questions every few years, as if they would be able to remember what they ate two years ago, or even longer.”

Although the researchers considerably increased the geographical diversity of study locations compared with previous studies, Li noted that data from some regions, such as Africa, is still limited.

The researchers found that eating 50 grams of processed meat per day — which is the equivalent of one hot dog — led to a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next decade. (iStock)

“This reflects an important knowledge gap and highlights the need for further research in these locations,” she said.

Freirich echoed the fact that the study is observational and looks only at associations — two factors that are increasing or decreasing in the same direction. 

“We can not definitively say that one is the cause of the other,” she told Fox News Digital.

The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than three portions — equivalent to about 12 to 18 ounces of cooked red meat — every week.

“In an observational study, we don’t see the picture of the individual — the researchers are looking at only two factors, like type of protein consumption and type 2 diabetes risk,” Freirich went on.

“We are not understanding or assessing the rest of their diet, like how many vegetables people are consuming, or how much physical activity is happening.”

What’s the recommendation?

“Our research supports the current dietary guidelines that recommend lowering processed meat and unprocessed red meat consumption to reduce disease burdens,” Li said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously classified processed meat and red meat as carcinogenic to humans, as has the American Institute for Cancer Research (AIRC), which recommends avoiding processed meats.

The World Health Organization previously classified processed meat and red meat as carcinogenic to humans. (iStock)

“For processed meat, the WHO recommends that there is no safe limit, so it is best to avoid or minimize consumption,” Li said.

“For red meat, the WHO recommends consuming no more than three portions, equivalent to about 350 to 500 grams (about 12 to 18 ounces) of cooked weight red meat every week.”

Berry disagrees, recommending that people should continue to eat nutrient-dense, healthy red meat — “as our ancestors have done for over a million years.” 

“There is a cohort of nutrition researchers who believe in a plant-based diet and they tout research like this to promote this way of eating,” he said. 

“People who are not educated about research findings read only the headline of such articles and they stop eating a very healthy, ancestral food that is packed with nutrition.”

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Lauver, on the other hand, recommends prioritizing plant-based foods rather than eating a diet heavy on meat and animal products.

“Plant foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“We are not understanding or assessing the rest of their diet, like how many vegetables people are consuming, or how much physical activity is happening.”

— Tanya Freirich, RDN

“These whole foods tend to be lower in calories, rich in nutrients, minimally processed and high in fiber, and they foster an environment for a diverse microbiome.”

Freirich recommends that people think about their diet and lifestyle as a whole, including their own medical history.  

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“All medical decisions and choices regarding diet should be individualized and personalized,” she said. “What works for you may not be appropriate for your neighbor.”

People should also speak with their health care provider to get personalized recommendations, experts agreed.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for comment.

Most people have had brief lapses of memory — forgetting a train of thought, a driving route or maybe a word choice. 

In most cases, these episodes last only a few seconds and are nothing to worry about — but if they persist, it may warrant getting a doctor’s input.

For a clearer understanding of what defines this condition — often referred to as “brain fog” — Fox News Digital asked two medical doctors about recognizing the symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

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What is brain fog?

Brain fog represents a “set of symptoms persons can experience due to impairments in brain functions, such as thinking, memory, information processing, storage and retrieval, decision-making, paying attention and performing tasks, among others,” Irene M. Estores, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

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Symptoms of the condition

The markers and indicators of brain fog can range from feeling suddenly confused about a familiar task or just feeling out of sorts mentally.  

“A person may experience difficulty staying on task, inability to focus, forgetfulness or problems finding the right words,” said Estores.

The markers and indicators of brain fog can range from feeling suddenly confused about a familiar task or just feeling out of sorts mentally. (iStock)

“They may also struggle to follow simple instructions or remember new information.”

Other symptoms may include feeling confused and dazed, or being physically present but feeling mentally absent, according to Estores.

What can cause these symptoms?

Although each person is different, there are some common causes of brain fog, medical experts say.

Chronic sleep deprivation

Just a single night of poor shuteye can have negative cognitive effects, so a compounded lack of sleep can surely be a culprit of brain fog, Estores noted.  

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“Sleep is key to the consolidation of memory, specifically long-term memory,” she said. 

“It also affects working memory, attention and decision-making, by affecting the activity of neural circuits in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus and parietal lobes.”

Chronic stress and pain

People who experience chronic stressful events — such as pain, emotional and mental trauma, and social isolation — may notice cognitive effects, said Estores. 

Pain medications and co-existing conditions, such as sleep disorders and depression, can also trigger or worsen brain fog.

A compounded lack of sleep can be a culprit of brain fog, a doctor noted. “Sleep is key to the consolidation of memory, specifically long-term memory,” said Irene M. Estores, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. (iStock)

Illness

Underlying medical conditions — such as some degenerative diseases, like dementia and Parkinson’s — and metabolic conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, can cause brain fog, according to Estores.

Trauma or infection can also play a role.

What to do about brain fog

For those who are experiencing symptoms associated with brain fog, the first step is to practice good “brain health,” according to Glen R. Finney, MD, professor of neurology at the Geisinger College of Health Sciences in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Healthy cognitive habits include maintaining good sleep hygiene, getting adequate exercise, striving for a healthy diet, staying hydrated and limiting stress. 

If medical evaluation is suggested, imaging tests — like a brain CT or MR scan — can be used to diagnose any existing conditions. (iStock)

“If that isn’t enough to improve things, let your primary care provider know what you’re experiencing, and they can review your medications and examine you for signs of medical causes, like autoimmune conditions,” Finney told Fox News Digital. 

“Also, some people with persistent brain fog may benefit from cognitive rehabilitation with a speech language pathologist, occupational therapist or psychologist,” he added.

How is brain fog evaluated?

If medical evaluation is suggested, imaging tests — like a CT or MRI scan — as well as vascular studies (tests that check the blood flow in the veins and arteries) can be used to diagnose any existing conditions, Estores noted.

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Doctors may also recommend screening for co-existing diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, she added.

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While feelings of brain fog can be frustrating or sometimes scary, Finney noted that practicing good brain health and talking with your primary care provider can likely help put your mind at ease.