Travel-Related Monkeypox Outbreaks in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Are We Prepared?

Several neglected infectious pathogens, such as the monkeypox virus (MPXV), have re-emerged in the last few decades, becoming a global health burden. Despite the incipient vaccine against MPXV infection, the global incidence of travel-related outbreaks continues to rise. About 472 confirmed cases have been reported in 27 countries as of 31 May 2022, the largest recorded number of cases outside Africa since the disease was discovered in the early 1970s.

Automated summary

Several neglected infectious pathogens, including monkeypox virus (MPXV), have resurfaced in recent decades, posing a global health burden. Despite the availability of an early-stage vaccine against MPXV infection, there has been a continued rise in travel-related outbreaks worldwide. As of May 31, 2022, there have been 472 confirmed cases reported in 27 countries, marking the highest number of cases recorded outside Africa since the disease was first discovered in the early 1970s.