Mpox in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Addressing a new challenge to regional health security

Abstract

Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), originally detected in 1970 in rural settlements inside the rainforest regions of Central and West Africa, when smallpox was in its final stages of eradication. The natural reservoir of this virus and how its circulation in nature is maintained remains unknown but it is common in primates. Mpox is endemic in Central and West Africa, and since its emergence in 1970, human cases have been reported in 11 African countries. In endemic countries, transmission primarily occurs from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals, or their parts and secretions. 1 Human-to human transmission through prolonged and close physical contact with symptomatic induviduals, including sexual activity, is a significant factor that can trigger outbreaks.