Changing epidemiology of Mpox: A serious threat to the world?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, belonging to family Poxviridae and genus Orthopoxvirus has now transitioned from a rare zoonotic disease confined to Central and West Africa into a significant global public health concern. Notably, WHO declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022. The recent outbreaks of Mpox marked a shift from endemic regions to widespread international transmission, with Clade Ib linked to increased human-to-human spread, particularly through sexual networks. Genetic mutations in Clade Ib are associated with enhanced transmissibility and possible immune evasion. This review explores the shifting epidemiology and global spread of Mpox, focusing on the emergence of Clade Ib—a more transmissible and potentially more virulent sub-lineage of Clade I.