Mpox: A zoonotic threat that demands a One Health response

Abstract

As the world grapples with yet another zoonotic disease in the form of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), it has become increasingly clear that managing such outbreaks requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. The One Health framework offers a powerful strategy for containing mpox and preventing future zoonotic threats.

Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease has gained global attention due to outbreaks in several regions, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries, where two virus clades (Ia and Ib) are spreading. Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals, and in some cases through contaminated objects. The symptoms typically include rash, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, with some cases leading to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccines are available and recommended for high-risk groups, though there is no definitive antiviral treatment yet.