Mpox (Monkeypox): Insights and Challenges

Mpox represents a significant emerging infectious disease challenge with global health implications, particularly as it expands beyond its historical endemic regions in Central and West Africa. This course explores the evolution of Mpox from its discovery in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to its emergence as an international public health concern, examining its virology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and control strategies through the pioneering work of Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe and his colleagues. Understanding this zoonotic orthopoxvirus infection is increasingly essential for clinicians worldwide, as changing ecological factors, human mobility, and viral adaptation continue to reshape its transmission dynamics and geographic distribution.

This course builds upon foundational knowledge of microbiology, infectious disease principles, and basic epidemiology, connecting virological characteristics to clinical presentations and public health responses. Students will learn the historical context of Mpox in the DRC, its clinical spectrum ranging from mild to severe manifestations, the genetic evolution driving changing patterns of transmission, and evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment. The relevance extends beyond infectious disease specialties into primary care, emergency medicine, dermatology, and global health, as early recognition and appropriate management of Mpox cases have significant implications for both individual patients and community spread. Mastering these concepts enables healthcare professionals to contribute effectively to both clinical care and broader public health initiatives addressing this re-emerging pathogen in diverse populations and settings.