Monkeypox as a Re-emerging Zoonosis: Transmission Dynamics, and One Health Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease that is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, part of Orthopoxvirus genus. It has become an international public health emergency, and has been sent to World Health Organization as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2022 and in 2024. This article reviews the viral pathogenicity, natural reservoirs and transmission of Mpox and discusses mitigation strategies based on One Health paradigm and in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Other primates are incidental hosts, with wild African rodents as main reservoir species. Zoonotic spillover happens via direct contact with mucous membranes, exposure via percutaneous inoculation at hunt or butchering, respiratory droplets, and fomite contact. A comprehensive One Health framework (human health surveillance, veterinary biosecurity and environmental monitoring) with more specific SDG integration not only facilitates equitable distribution of resources, but also reduces stigma and boosts the world's resistance to future zoonotic events.