Rising Threat of Mpox

Abstract

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus. Humans can acquire the virus from infected animals through bites or direct contact. However, the large multinational outbreak that began in 2022 has been driven predominantly by human‑to‑human transmission via close contact, sexual activity, or respiratory droplets. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and a peculiar rash. The illness usually lasts two to four weeks, with severe cases occurring in immunocompromised individuals and children.1