The virus was thought to have been introduced by a traveler from Nigeria and had spread to multiple people, including healthcare workers. By the summer of 2023, the virus had made its way to several other European countries and even the United States, sparking concerns about its potential to become a global health threat.
Fast forward to 2025, and mpox, as it has come to be known, continues to pose a significant challenge to public health authorities worldwide. The virus has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and spread, moving beyond its original reservoir in rodents to infect humans and spread through human-to-human contact, particularly via sexual transmission.
Efforts to contain the spread of mpox have been hampered by a number of factors, including the virus’s long incubation period, which can make it difficult to identify and isolate cases in a timely manner. Additionally, the lack of effective antiviral treatments or vaccines for mpox has limited the options available for controlling the outbreak.
One of the key questions facing public health officials in 2025 is whether the spread of mpox can be stopped or at least slowed down. The virus’s ability to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, rodents, and possibly other mammals, makes it a formidable adversary. The potential for mpox to become endemic in certain regions or even establish itself as a global threat is a real concern.
Efforts to control mpox have focused on a combination of surveillance, contact tracing, and public health interventions such as quarantine and isolation. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been limited by factors such as the virus’s ability to spread asymptomatically and the challenges of implementing control measures in resource-constrained settings.
Research into new antiviral treatments and vaccines for mpox is ongoing, but progress has been slow. The complex nature of poxviruses, combined with the relatively low levels of funding and attention given to diseases like mpox compared to more high-profile threats like Covid-19, has hindered efforts to develop effective countermeasures.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond, the future of mpox remains uncertain. While public health authorities continue to work tirelessly to contain the virus and prevent its spread, the challenges posed by mpox serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases in an interconnected world. Only time will tell whether we can successfully halt the spread of mpox and prevent it from becoming the next global health crisis. Mpox, a virus transmitted through sexual contact, has quickly spread worldwide, causing outbreaks in multiple countries. Originally affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, the virus has now evolved into different clades, with new versions spreading rapidly in African countries as well.
In 2022, the virus was mainly contained within specific communities, but by 2024, human-to-human transmission had escalated, leading to a surge in cases across Africa. The virus is now being passed through sexual contact and household interactions, making containment efforts challenging.
The global response to mpox has been hindered by limited vaccine availability and high costs. The primary vaccine, Jynneos, developed to protect against smallpox, is in short supply, with donated doses being distributed to countries in need. The lack of widespread immunity to poxviruses due to the cessation of smallpox vaccinations has left many vulnerable to mpox.
The World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in 2022, and a second emergency was announced in 2024 as the spread continued. With cases still being reported globally, the question remains whether human-to-human transmission can be halted or if it will become a persistent threat due to declining immunity.
Meanwhile, the potential withdrawal of the United States from the WHO poses a significant threat to global health efforts. The U.S. has historically been a major contributor to the WHO, providing substantial funding and expertise to support various health programs. A withdrawal could lead to a loss of funding, expertise, and influence within the organization, potentially allowing other countries, such as China, to increase their role in shaping global health policies.
The implications of a U.S. withdrawal from the WHO extend beyond financial concerns, affecting the representation of Americans within the organization and potentially shifting the balance of power towards other influential nations. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by mpox and other emerging health threats, the role of international cooperation and collaboration becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding global health security. With potential cuts to research efforts at the CDC and funding through the National Institutes of Health, scientists in the United States are facing uncertain times. The looming threat of reduced resources has sparked concerns about the future of research and innovation in the country.
Some experts in Europe are already anticipating a scientific exodus as a result of these cuts. Isabella Eckerle, director of Switzerland’s Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, has been vocal about her belief that European institutions will soon have the opportunity to recruit top U.S. talent. She predicts a “golden opportunity” for European infectious disease research to thrive with an influx of American scientists seeking new homes.
Eckerle’s statements on the social media network Bluesky highlight the potential for a brain drain in the U.S. academic community, particularly in the field of infectious disease research. She envisions a boost in European research and innovation in areas such as tools, data science, drug development, and vaccine development. This strategic shift could position Europe as a leader in infectious disease research for years to come.
As the scientific community braces for potential funding cuts and research setbacks, the landscape of global research collaborations is likely to shift. Scientists may be forced to seek new opportunities outside of the U.S. in order to continue their work and make meaningful contributions to their fields. The implications of these potential changes are far-reaching and could impact the trajectory of scientific progress for years to come.
In light of these uncertainties, researchers are advised to rest up during the holidays and prepare for what could be a tumultuous year ahead. The year 2025 may bring significant challenges and opportunities for scientists around the world as they navigate the changing landscape of research funding and support.
