Monkeypox Epidemic: Global Features and Vaccine Prevention

Strategic Insights -

A new report from Zhejiang Shuren University outlines the etiological characteristics, epidemic situation, and vaccine prevention efforts for monkeypox. The research notes that the disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has spread rapidly across the globe, with 117,663 confirmed cases and 263 deaths reported across 127 Member States in all six WHO regions between January 2022 and November 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented the spread of MPXV Clade Ib, which has emerged as a more virulent strain, threatening public health and safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The monkeypox virus (MPXV) has two clades: Central Africa (I) and West Africa (II), each with subclades a and b, with Clade I causing more severe illness and higher mortality rates.
  • Since 2022, the mpox epidemic has spread across various nations and regions, fueled by MPXV Clade IIb, but in 2024, Clade Ib gradually replaced Clade IIb.
  • The notable genetic variation in Clade Ib may provide MPXV with new opportunities to evade the immune system and adapt to hosts.
  • As of January 9, 2025, 12 countries outside Africa have reported imported MPXV Clade Ib cases, with secondary cases emerging in the United Kingdom, Germany, and China.
  • Due to the incomplete development of a vaccine specifically for MPXV, the smallpox vaccine remains in use for preventing mpox or for emergency vaccination post-exposure.
  • The persistent spread of mpox is still a major concern, requiring greater awareness and vaccination efforts in populations at high risk.

Statistics:

  • 117,663 confirmed cases of monkeypox between January 2022 and November 2024.
  • 213 probable cases of monkeypox between January 2022 and November 2024.
  • 263 deaths attributed to monkeypox between January 2022 and November 2024.
  • 12 countries outside Africa have reported imported MPXV Clade Ib cases as of January 9, 2025.
  • 127 Member States in all six WHO regions have reported cases of monkeypox between January 2022 and November 2024.

Sources:

  • Research: Recent Advances in Mpox Epidemic: Global Features and Vaccine Prevention Research. Vaccines, 2025, 13(5):466.
  • World Health Organization (WHO):

* The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

* WHO was founded on 7 April 1948 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Zhejiang Shuren University:

* Zhejiang Shuren University is a public university located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.

* It was founded in 1903 and is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and medicine.