Mpox 2024: New variant, new challenges, and the looming pandemic
Amogh Verma, Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib, Guru Datt Sharma, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Ganesh Bushi, Suhas Ballal, Sanjay Kumar, Mahakshit Bhat, Shilpa Sharma, Rodrigue Ndabashinze
Abstract
• Clade 1b mpox spread led WHO to declare a global public health emergency. • Clade 1b has spread from the DRC to Africa, Europe and Asia. • Global response aims to improve diagnostics, surveillance, and vaccine access. • Mpox diagnosis needs PCR testing and genomic sequencing for clade 1b. • Infection prevention and global cooperation are key to managing mpox. The emergence of the clade 1b variant of mpox has transformed the virus into a global health threat, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency. Clade 1b is characterized by enhanced transmissibility, particularly through human-to-human contact, including sexual transmission. This variant has spread rapidly from its epicenter in the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring African countries and beyond, with confirmed cases in Europe and Asia. The global response has focused on enhancing surveillance, improving diagnostics, and increasing access to the Jynneos vaccine and antiviral treatments, such as tecovirimat. However, several challenges remain, particularly in resource-limited settings. This review emphasizes the need for robust public health infrastructure, international collaboration, and ongoing research to mitigate the impact of mpox and prepare for future outbreaks.