Debunking Mpox Myths: No Link to COVID-19 Vaccine
Recent social media posts have inaccurately claimed a connection between the mpox disease and the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Mohammad Syahril, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, has emphatically refuted these claims, stressing that Mpox and COVID-19 are entirely distinct diseases with separate origins predating the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccinations.
Mpox, first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has long been endemic in several African nations. “Mpox and COVID-19 are two different diseases. before COVID-19 existed, Mpox already existed,” Dr. Syahril clarified. In 2022, the World Health Institution (WHO) designated Mpox as a Public health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While indonesia reported confirmed cases at that time, the emergency status was lifted in May 2023.
Dr. Syahril underscored the lack of any scientific evidence linking the COVID-19 vaccine to Mpox. “So, this Mpox disease cannot be said to be due to a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. That has nothing to do with it,” he stated emphatically.
Mpox is caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), which has two primary clades, Clade I and Clade II, each with further subclades. The global Mpox outbreak in 2022-2023 was attributed to Clade IIb, while the recent rise in cases in Africa is primarily associated with Clade Ia and Ib.
Transmission of Mpox occurs through direct human contact, including sexual contact and contact with contaminated objects. Dr. syahril urged continued vigilance regarding Mpox, noting that while the majority of cases have been observed in men who have sex with men (MSM), transmission can also occur within other groups, including children living with infected individuals.
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## Debunking Mpox Myths: No Link to COVID-19 Vaccine
**Archyde Interview**
**Interviewer:** Today,we’re joined by Dr. [Alex Reed Name], an infectious disease specialist, to address some harmful misinformation circulating online about mpox and its potential link to the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. [Alex Reed Name], thank you so much for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen some alarming social media posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine causes mpox. Can you help us understand why this is simply not true?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. These claims are entirely unfounded and lack any scientific basis. Mpox is caused by a virus, the monkeypox virus, which is spread thru close contact with an infected person or animal. It has nothing to do with the COVID-19 vaccine. [[1](https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.33MU6YM)]
**Interviewer:** So, there’s no biological mechanism by which the COVID-19 vaccine could cause mpox?
**Alex Reed:** That’s correct.Vaccines work by training our immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses. The COVID-19 vaccines target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. They have no effect on the monkeypox virus.
**Interviewer:** This kind of misinformation can be incredibly harmful. What are the potential consequences of people believing these false claims?
**Alex Reed:** The consequences can be important. People might avoid getting vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving them vulnerable to a potentially serious illness. Furthermore, fearing a nonexistent link between the two could led to needless anxiety and distrust in public health measures.
**interviewer:** what should people do if they come across this type of misinformation online?
**Alex Reed:** First and foremost, rely on data from trusted sources like the CDC, WHO, and your local health authorities. Be critical of what you see on social media and remember that sensational claims are often not based on facts. Don’t hesitate to report misinformation when you encounter it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for shedding light on this vital topic, Dr. [Alex Reed Name]. Your expertise is invaluable in helping the public understand the facts and stay safe.
