Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa
Abstract Mpox has re-emerged as a significant public health threat, particularly in Africa. This study explores the key drivers behind the recent resurgence, focusing on epidemiological trends, transmission dynamics, and lessons learned from recent outbreaks. The research involved a comprehensive re...
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Tropical Medicine and Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00678-1 |
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| author | Adewunmi Akingbola Christopher Abiodun Adegbesan Olajumoke Adewole Courage Idahor Tolani Odukoya Emmanuel Nwaeze Shekoni Mayowa Owolabi Abdullahi Petra Kerubo Mariaria |
| author_facet | Adewunmi Akingbola Christopher Abiodun Adegbesan Olajumoke Adewole Courage Idahor Tolani Odukoya Emmanuel Nwaeze Shekoni Mayowa Owolabi Abdullahi Petra Kerubo Mariaria |
| author_sort | Adewunmi Akingbola |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Mpox has re-emerged as a significant public health threat, particularly in Africa. This study explores the key drivers behind the recent resurgence, focusing on epidemiological trends, transmission dynamics, and lessons learned from recent outbreaks. The research involved a comprehensive review of recent mpox outbreaks, analyzing factors, such as socio-economic conditions, environmental influences, and genetic evolution. Findings indicate that the resurgence is linked to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, increased human–wildlife interactions, and rapid urbanization in endemic regions. The virus, which was previously confined to rural areas, has now spread to urban populations, and crossed national borders, driven by high population mobility and socio-economic instability. A notable shift in transmission dynamics has been observed, with increased human-to-human transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), contributing to more severe and widespread outbreaks. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen health systems in Africa, particularly in the areas of diagnostics, surveillance, and public health preparedness. Challenges such as inadequate laboratory infrastructure and delayed response mechanisms have exposed vulnerabilities in current public health frameworks. To prevent future outbreaks, targeted strategies must be implemented, including enhanced community engagement, improved access to vaccines and treatments, and timely, accurate reporting of cases. Coordinated global action is essential to prevent mpox from becoming a more persistent and widespread public health threat. This research discusses the importance of proactive measures and international cooperation in addressing the ongoing threat posed by mpox, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4d3d5653309f4629bce50edcb52250ec |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1349-4147 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Tropical Medicine and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-4d3d5653309f4629bce50edcb52250ec2025-08-20T03:07:44ZengBMCTropical Medicine and Health1349-41472025-04-0153111210.1186/s41182-024-00678-1Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in AfricaAdewunmi Akingbola0Christopher Abiodun Adegbesan1Olajumoke Adewole2Courage Idahor3Tolani Odukoya4Emmanuel Nwaeze5Shekoni Mayowa6Owolabi Abdullahi7Petra Kerubo Mariaria8Department of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Old Trinity SchoolsDepartment of Global Health, African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch UniversityDepartment of Community Health and Primary Healthcare, Lagos State University College of MedicineNottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustSchool of Public Health, University of Port-HarcourtDepartment of Community Health, Lagos State University College of MedicineDepartment of Community Health and Primary Healthcare, Lagos State University College of MedicineBayero UniversityInfectious Diseases Institute, Makerere UniversityAbstract Mpox has re-emerged as a significant public health threat, particularly in Africa. This study explores the key drivers behind the recent resurgence, focusing on epidemiological trends, transmission dynamics, and lessons learned from recent outbreaks. The research involved a comprehensive review of recent mpox outbreaks, analyzing factors, such as socio-economic conditions, environmental influences, and genetic evolution. Findings indicate that the resurgence is linked to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, increased human–wildlife interactions, and rapid urbanization in endemic regions. The virus, which was previously confined to rural areas, has now spread to urban populations, and crossed national borders, driven by high population mobility and socio-economic instability. A notable shift in transmission dynamics has been observed, with increased human-to-human transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), contributing to more severe and widespread outbreaks. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen health systems in Africa, particularly in the areas of diagnostics, surveillance, and public health preparedness. Challenges such as inadequate laboratory infrastructure and delayed response mechanisms have exposed vulnerabilities in current public health frameworks. To prevent future outbreaks, targeted strategies must be implemented, including enhanced community engagement, improved access to vaccines and treatments, and timely, accurate reporting of cases. Coordinated global action is essential to prevent mpox from becoming a more persistent and widespread public health threat. This research discusses the importance of proactive measures and international cooperation in addressing the ongoing threat posed by mpox, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00678-1MpoxZoonosesDisease outbreaksPublic Health SurveillanceEpidemiologyViral zoonotic diseases |
| spellingShingle | Adewunmi Akingbola Christopher Abiodun Adegbesan Olajumoke Adewole Courage Idahor Tolani Odukoya Emmanuel Nwaeze Shekoni Mayowa Owolabi Abdullahi Petra Kerubo Mariaria Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa Tropical Medicine and Health Mpox Zoonoses Disease outbreaks Public Health Surveillance Epidemiology Viral zoonotic diseases |
| title | Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa |
| title_full | Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa |
| title_fullStr | Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa |
| title_short | Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa |
| title_sort | understanding the resurgence of mpox key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in africa |
| topic | Mpox Zoonoses Disease outbreaks Public Health Surveillance Epidemiology Viral zoonotic diseases |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00678-1 |
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