Mpox: Understanding the scientific gaps to combat the threat

Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infectious disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus. Since July 23rd, 2022, an Ongoing mpox outbreak in non-endemic countries has resulted in the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. In spite mpox having long been an endemic zoonotic disease in regions of sub-Saharan Africa, relatively little is known about its ecology, epidemiology, and transmission. In addition, the current outbreak is mainly caused by clade IIb showing different patterns of spread, atypical clinical manifestation, and altered morbidity and mortality metrics.

Sufficient data on transmission routes, prevalence, and at-risk populations are lacking so It is critical to fill the current scientific gap to identify at-risk populations and design evidence-based preventive measures to control the current outbreak. Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of mpox can lead to larger and longer outbreaks so clinical and laboratory diagnostic items should be updated regularly. Based on sound studies’ designs all dynamic changes should be readily available to the health care workers as well as concerned global community scope and Information for authors.

This Research Topic seeks manuscripts that discuss:

- Epidemiology of mpox (seroprevalence studies from both endemic and non-endemic countries)

- Sexual transmission of Mpox in different groups

- Vertical transmission

- Performance of diagnostic test in the detection of Mpox cases

- Innovative Preventive measures to control the spread of the mpox

- Mass gathering and Mpox - Travel and Mpox (cross border investigations and prevention)

We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Mini Review