Mpox in the United States and Around the World: A Current Overview

Understanding Mpox

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. There are two primary clades of this virus: Clade I and Clade II. Both types transmit similarly and can be prevented using the same methods. While originally endemic to certain regions of Africa, mpox has gained global attention due to its recent outbreaks and implications for public health worldwide.

Clade I and Clade II

Clade I

Clade I has recently drawn attention due to clusters and outbreaks identified mainly in Central and Eastern Africa. The transmission routes in these regions include contact with infected animals and human-to-human interactions. Reports indicate that a significant portion of cases in Central Africa involves children, primarily due to household transmission and exposure to infected individuals.

Clade II

Clade II has also seen a rise in cases but spreads at lower levels globally. Since the beginning of 2024, it has been reported in over 100 countries, demonstrating a pervasive reach that initially surprised health experts. This variant predominantly spreads through personal contact and intimate interactions.

Current Situation in the United States

As of June 2025, the U.S. has reported four cases of Clade I mpox. These cases were connected to travel to affected areas in Africa. Importantly, these incidents are not linked, and no further local transmission has been reported, leading health officials to assess the risk to the general U.S. population as low.

CDC’s continuous monitoring and risk assessments indicate that while Clade I remains a concern due to its origins, Clade II is still present and circulating at low levels across states. Furthermore, children’s mpox cases typically arise from exposure in endemic regions rather than community transmission within the U.S. context, where differences in demographic factors play a significant role in mitigating risk.

Preventive Measures and Surveillance

To combat the spread of mpox, the CDC is actively working with local, state, and federal health departments. They are enhancing community awareness and vaccination efforts, particularly for groups deemed at higher risk. Also, innovative surveillance techniques—including wastewater testing—are being evaluated to better detect potential outbreaks before they escalate.

Global Situation

Regional Outbreaks

In Central and Eastern Africa, a notable outbreak of Clade I has resulted in sustained human-to-human transmission, especially in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Uganda. These regions continue to report strong cases of Clade I, with a focus on contact tracing and community education being essential parts of the containment strategy.

Travel-Associated Risks

Travel-related cases of Clade I have been confirmed in various countries, including the U.S., indicating a need for heightened vigilance among international travelers. This global landscape underlines the interconnectedness of mpox cases and the importance of coordinated public health responses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided platforms to visualize and understand global trends associated with mpox cases, allowing for better risk assessment and response planning worldwide.

CDC’s Efforts

In Africa

At the forefront of the fight against mpox, the CDC collaborates with local health authorities and organizations in affected regions. Their efforts include strengthening the health workforce, improving surveillance systems, and enhancing laboratory capacities to quickly detect and manage mpox outbreaks. Training programs for local epidemiologists are pivotal in ensuring that communities are equipped to respond effectively to cases.

In the United States

Domestically, the CDC continues to enhance public health infrastructure, working diligently to prevent the introduction and spread of mpox. They offer current guidance to healthcare providers and the public alike, ensuring that individuals traveling to areas where mpox is prevalent are informed and prepared. Their outreach focuses on populations that are disproportionately affected, ensuring equitable access to health resources and vaccines.

Visualizing the Data

The challenges posed by mpox are complex, but accessible data can help demystify the situation. WHO provides a global data dashboard that reflects the case numbers reported by member states, offering real-time insights into regional outbreaks and trends.

Understanding mpox requires an appreciation of its multifaceted nature—ranging from local outbreaks in Central Africa to its implications for public health practices worldwide. By keeping abreast of developments and implementing effective monitoring systems, health authorities worldwide continue to work towards managing the challenges posed by this evolving virus.