a pox upon us: examining the resurgence of monkeypox and its global impact

Monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (mpxv), has re-emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic. originally identified in 1958, the disease was first reported in humans in 1970 in the democratic republic of the congo (drc) and has since been endemic to several african countries. however, the recent outbreaks, particularly those starting in 2022, have raised alarms due to their occurrence in non-endemic regions, signaling a shift in transmission patterns and public health implications. from january 2001 to december 2021, a systematic review identified 17 monkeypox outbreaks, with a total of 2,527 suspected cases and 241 confirmed cases, resulting in 29 deaths. the majority of these outbreaks occurred in the drc, highlighting the persistent risk in endemic areas. the recent global outbreaks, which began in may 2022, saw over 50,000 cases reported within a few months, predominantly affecting countries that had not previously experienced monkeypox. the resurgence of monkeypox can be attributed to various factors, including ecological changes, increased human-animal interactions, and the cessation of smallpox vaccinations, which historically provided cross-protection against mpxv. climate change and deforestation have exacerbated the situation by disrupting wildlife habitats and increasing the likelihood of zoonotic spillover events. public health responses have included vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk populations and increased surveillance efforts. the world health organization (who) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (pheic) in july 2022, emphasizing the need for coordinated global efforts to control the spread of the virus. in conclusion, the recent monkeypox outbreaks underscore the importance of vigilance in infectious disease monitoring and response, particularly as global interconnectivity increases. continued research and public health initiatives are essential to mitigate the impact of this re-emerging pathogen.