Sign in Subscribe
Disease eradication

Re-emergence of Monkeypox: Global Health Concerns and Implications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The recent re-emergence of monkeypox has sparked concerns about global health. According to a new study published in the International Journal of Surgery: Global Health, the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent discontinuation of smallpox vaccination have led to a decline in immunity against orthopoxviruses, making monkeypox a significant public health concern. Researchers suggest that factors such as the expansion of the human population, increased same-sex intercourse, and poor epidemiological surveillance may be contributing to the re-emergence of monkeypox.

Key Takeaways:

  • The re-emergence of monkeypox is attributed to a decline in immunity against orthopoxviruses following the eradication of smallpox in 1980.
  • Monkeypox has recently occurred in several countries in America, Europe, and Asia, including the USA, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, the UK, Germany, and Pakistan, between 2022 and 2023.
  • The rise in monkeypox cases was most pronounced in Western Europe (2599 cases, accounting for 42.76% of the total), followed by Southern Europe (1932 cases, representing 31.79% of the total), Northern Europe (1487 cases, comprising 24.46% of the total), and Eastern Europe (59 cases, making up 0.97% of the total).
  • Possible factors implicated in the re-emergence of monkeypox include the expansion of the human population, increased same-sex intercourse, and poor epidemiological surveillance.
  • World leaders and scientists are urged to pursue natural compounds with antiviral properties to control the disease and prevent infection transmission between humans.
  • The research concludes that the re-emergence of monkeypox is a complex issue that requires a diverse approach to global health management.

Statistics:

  • 2,599 cases of monkeypox were reported in Western Europe, accounting for 42.76% of the total cases.
  • 1,932 cases of monkeypox were reported in Southern Europe, representing 31.79% of the total cases.
  • 1,487 cases of monkeypox were reported in Northern Europe, comprising 24.46% of the total cases.
  • 59 cases of monkeypox were reported in Eastern Europe, making up 0.97% of the total cases.

Sources:

  • Malik Olatunde Oduoye, Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Goma, DR Congo
  • Factors responsible for the re-emergence of Monkeypox and implications for global health. International Journal of Surgery: Global Health, 2024,7(4).
  • Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), publisher of International Journal of Surgery: Global Health
  • DOI: 10.1097/gh9.0000000000000459

Read more