Topics in Antiviral Medicine, volume 33 Issue 2 May 2025

The document “Mpox Continental Response Plan 2.0” outlines the strategy developed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to respond to the ongoing mpox outbreak across Africa. The plan describes coordinated ... actions to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, case detection and contact tracing in affected countries. It also focuses on improving access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatment, supporting healthcare systems, and enhancing risk communication and community engagement. In addition, the document highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation, resource mobilization and technical support to help African countries control the outbreak and prevent further spread. Overall, the plan serves as a continental framework to guide a coordinated public health response to mpox in Africa. more

Hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool in interrupting the transmission of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) and other infectious disease both in healthcare facilities and communities. However millions still lack access to basic hygiene services particularly in vulnerable and resource limited settings. ... Governments must urgently ensure universal access to functioning hand hygiene stations in public and healthcare facilities, promote correct hand hygiene practices, and integrate hand hygiene into national polices and response strategies, to contain mpox. There is a need for multimodal approach- combining political leadership, availability of supplies, evidence based behavioral change strategies and strengthened healthcare practices is critical. more

The WHO publication “Surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing for mpox: interim guidance” provides updated global technical guidance on monitoring and responding to mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). It explains how countries should conduct surveillance to detect new outbreaks, car ... ry out case investigation including clinical assessment and lab specimen collection, and perform contact tracing to monitor people exposed to confirmed or probable cases in order to stop transmission and protect at-risk groups. The guidance includes practical recommendations for how long contacts should be monitored (e.g., daily for 21 days without requiring quarantine if symptom-free) and advising good hygiene and reduced exposure risk during the monitoring period. This interim guidance is intended to support public health authorities worldwide in strengthening mpox outbreak detection, response, and reporting. more