April 22, 2025
970- First Human Case
Mpox was first detected in humans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), shortly after the eradication of smallpox in that region, mainly affecting people who weren’t vaccinated against smallpox.
- 1980–2010- Endemic Outbreaks in Africa
Mpox cases reported in West and Central Africa were linked to contact with rodents and wildlife. The original name of mpox, monkeypox, is considered a misnomer as it implies an association with monkeys, while rodents are the more likely animal reservoirs.
- 2003- First Outbreak Outside of Africa
Mpox spread to the United States through imported pet prairie dogs infected by Gambian rats, resulting in over 70 cases and raising global awareness of the virus as an emerging disease.
- 2022- Global Outbreak
Clade 2 mpox spread to 110+ countries, causing 90,000+ cases. Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the WHO and officially renamed mpox (from the original name, monkeypox) to reduce stigma and misconceptions.
- 2024-Public Health Emergency
Clade I Mpox surged in the DRC, spreading to neighboring countries. WHO declared mpox a PHEIC for the second time on August 14, 2024, calling for improved surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, and vaccine distribution.
Reference: WHO 2024
