Monkeypox, or Mpox, is a viral disease that primarily spread to the human population through zoonotic spillovers, with rodents and primates serving as potential reservoirs.
Mpox can be transmitted between humans through close contact and exposure to infected bodily fluids or lesions.
Sexual contact is also believed to contribute to the spread of the disease particularly among certain demographics.
Mpox was a rare infection that was predominantly restricted to some countries in Africa until early 2022, when a rise in cases across the globe where the disease was not endemic, particularly in Europe and North America.
According to WHO, over 87,000 cases of Mpox have been reported to date since January 2022, including 146 deaths.
Significant impacts have been observed in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region.
China reported four cases of Mpox in June 2023 (two from Beijing and two from Guangzhou), raising concerns about disease spread in the country.
Two cases were reported from Sri Lanka in patients with a travel history to Dubai.
Mpox has also been detected earlier this year in Thailand, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Japan, with some cases having a travel history to the Middle East.
Reports from the Middle East do not indicate an increase in the number of cases.
African region has also experienced a surge in cases, notably in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.
Genomic surveillance of the monkeypox pathogen allows for contact tracing and monitoring of its evolution.
There is a noticeable lack of genomic data from developing countries, particularly in Asia.
It is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for future challenges, taking proactive measures to curb infections and protect vulnerable populations.
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