MPXV e Mpox: Still a One Health Challenge?

Abstract

The monkeypox virus (renamed MPXV), is a species of double-stranded DNA virus that causes Mpox disease in humans and other mammals. It is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, making it closely related to the variola, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses. MPXV clade I has been affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo since nov- 2023. Spreading has been shown in other African countries (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya). On 15 August 2024, one case of MPXV clade Ib was reported in the EU. In countries reporting clade I cases, human-to-human transmission through close physical contact and through both sexual and non-sexual transmission has been documented. When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on August 15, 2024 a public-health emergency over Mpox it was because a concerning form of the virus had spread to multiple African countries where it had never been seen before. Clade In is spreading largely through contact between humans, including through sexual contact. MPXVs have been listed by WHO as cause of pandemic potential. For Mpox/MPXV One Health approach may be critical to better understand biological and epidemiological evolution of the virus, since One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems. The approach recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.