Antiviral technology and how MPOX could reshape industries

The MPOX virus public health emergency has sparked global concern due to its rapid spread and potential impact on various sectors. According to the WHO bulletin, from January 2022 to June 2024, 116 countries have been affected by the virus, including Brazil.

Therefore, it is necessary to prevent and control contamination, especially in sectors that deal directly with products susceptible to the accumulation of microorganisms.

Find out how the integration of antiviral technologies across various sectors can be the key to preventing the transmission of MPOX and other microorganisms, and ultimately ensuring everyone’s safety—especially those on the front lines of the fight against the virus.

Keep reading!

What is MPOX?

MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus.

The disease was first identified in 1958, when outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research purposes; this is where its original name came from.

The first human infection was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at a time when smallpox—caused by a related virus—was being eradicated.

Since then, MPOX has spread to other regions of Africa, with sporadic cases reported outside the continent, mainly linked to travel. Given its ability to survive even on surfaces, the disease poses a high risk to public health.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of MPOX

MPOX presents a range of characteristic symptoms, with skin rashes being one of the most notable. These rashes begin as flat spots, which develop into pustules and eventually form scabs that fall off.

In addition, patients often experience:

Fever;
Severe headache;
Muscle and back pain;
Swollen lymph nodes, which distinguish MPOX from other similar diseases, such as smallpox.

Impact of the Public Health Emergency on the World

In Brazil, as of today (August 20), there have been 709 reported cases of MPOX, with 16 deaths since 2022.

The reclassification of MPOX as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is putting pressure on governments to adopt stricter measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The establishment of the Emergency Operations Center (COE MPOX) in Brazil is an example of such measures, as it centralizes epidemiological monitoring and response efforts.

Modes of transmission and how MPOX impacts the industry

The MPOX virus is transmitted primarily through direct contact with:

Skin lesions: blisters, pustules, and scabs in infected individuals.
Body fluids: blood, pus, saliva.
Contaminated items: bedding, towels, and other items that have come into contact with the lesions.
Respiratory droplets: through close and prolonged contact with an infected person.
Maternal-fetal transmission: during pregnancy.

Therefore, it is essential that all sectors of the industry work together to ensure the safety of their customers and consumers in general.

Take a look at how the risks of contamination are more closely tied to everyday life than you might think, and how TNS Nano’s technologies contribute to antiviral protection:

Textiles and footwear

The transmission of viruses through contaminated clothing and fabrics is a critical issue for control.

The use of antibacterial and antiviral additives in textiles and footwear can minimize the risk of transmission, thereby providing an additional layer of protection for:

Workwear;
Hospital clothing;
PPE;
Sportswear.

The use of TNS additives in textiles and footwear helps prevent viral proliferation by eliminating more than 99% of these microorganisms, thereby ensuring the safety of the products during use.

Interested? Please contact us.

Polymers and plastics

In high-use environments, such as plastic packaging and utensils, the addition of additives with antiviral properties is important for preventing or reducing contamination and transmission of the virus when these surfaces come into contact with it.

Synthetic and vinyl laminates

These materials are often used in coatings and high-contact surfaces.

The addition of TNS additives, which provide antimicrobial properties, can reduce the risk of virus transmission in these environments.

Ceramics

In public and high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, ceramic tiles treated with antibacterial and antiviral additives help create safer surfaces, thereby limiting the spread of the virus.

Are you interested in incorporating viral technologies into your products? Let us answer your questions.

Abrasive foams and pads

Abrasive foams and pads, used in mattresses, pillows, and household and industrial products, for example, pose a potential contamination risk.

Given this, the use of foams treated with TNS antimicrobial additives is essential, as these additives inhibit the growth of microorganisms—including various viral strains—thereby reducing the risk of contamination.

Paints and varnishes

Paints with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, thanks to TNS additives, create a protective barrier for surfaces, walls, and furniture, for example, helping to reduce the spread of microorganisms, especially in:

Hospital settings;
Industrial environments.

Are you interested in investing? Talk to our specialist.

Is there already a vaccine for the MPOX virus?

Currently, two vaccines recommended by the WHO are available, notably the Jynneos vaccine, which requires two doses for full effectiveness.

These vaccines are strongly recommended for high-risk groups, as they offer significant protection, especially against severe cases.

Although vaccination coverage is increasing in many regions, availability remains limited in African countries, where the risk of outbreaks is higher.

Learn about TNS antiviral technology

We are a global leader in nanotechnology and innovation. Discover how our additives can raise the bar for your operations and ensure high-performance results for your products.

References

BBC NEWS BRAZIL. Sweden reports first case of new mpox variant outside Africa: what is the disease and how is it transmitted? BBC News Brazil, São Paulo, Aug. 15, 2024. Accessed Aug. 21, 2024;

FIOCRUZ. Can contaminated surfaces transmit monkeypox? A study suggests so. FIOCRUZ Pernambuco, n.d. Accessed: Aug. 20, 2024;

BRAZIL. Ministry of Health. Mpox: Get information about the disease from official sources and learn about the actions taken by the Ministry of Health to date. Government of Brazil, Brasília, Aug. 2024. Accessed Aug. 21, 2024;

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BRAZIL. Mpox: What Does It Mean for the WHO to Declare a Global Emergency Again? National Geographic Brazil, [no location], July 2022. Accessed Aug. 21, 2024.

GARCIA, Mariana; PEIXOTO, Roberto. Mpox: See the distribution of cases and deaths worldwide on maps. G1, Aug. 17, 2024. Accessed Aug. 23, 2024