This chapter explores the history and current status of the MPOCs outbreak in Africa, highlighting its long-standing presence and zoonotic transmission primarily through infected meat. The discussion also contrasts this with the global outbreak of 2022, focusing on its demographic impact and mortality rate.
Last month the World Health Organization declared the recent mpox outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern. As scientists race to find out more about the new strain, Ian Sample talks to Trudie Lang, professor of global health research and director of the global health network at the University of Oxford, to find out what we still need to learn in order to tackle and contain the virus. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod