Since then, mpox has spread far and wide, showing up in people who had traveled to Africa, people who had sex with people who had traveled to Africa, and people who had no idea how they became infected. The virus has changed over time, becoming more adept at human-to-human transmission.
In 2024, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency when cases started popping up in Europe and the Americas. The virus has proven to be more contagious than smallpox and more deadly than chickenpox, a troubling combination that has experts worried about the potential for a global pandemic.
The challenge with mpox lies in its ability to evade detection and control measures. The virus can be transmitted through close contact, respiratory droplets, and even inanimate objects, making it difficult to contain. Health authorities are racing to develop a vaccine, but progress has been slow due to the complex nature of the virus.
Efforts to track and isolate cases have been hampered by a lack of resources and coordination, with many countries struggling to cope with their own outbreaks. The situation is further complicated by the stigma associated with the disease, which has led to discrimination and violence against those infected.
As we head into 2025, the global community must come together to address the threat of mpox. This will require increased funding for research and development, improved surveillance and response capabilities, and a coordinated effort to educate the public and dispel myths about the disease.
While the road ahead may be challenging, there is hope that with the right strategies and resources, we can contain and ultimately eliminate mpox as a global health threat. It will require a collective effort from governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and the public, but the stakes are too high to ignore.
What’s next for infectious diseases in 2025?
As we look ahead to the coming year, it’s clear that infectious diseases will continue to pose a significant threat to global health. The convergence of factors like climate change, urbanization, and antimicrobial resistance has created the perfect storm for the emergence and spread of new pathogens.
In addition to H5N1 bird flu and mpox, there are a number of other infectious diseases that are on the radar for 2025. Zika virus, dengue fever, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are just a few examples of the challenges we may face in the coming year.
One of the key areas of focus for infectious disease experts in 2025 will be the development of new treatments and vaccines. The rapid spread of diseases like H5N1 and mpox has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to prevention and control.
At the same time, efforts to strengthen global health systems and improve access to healthcare will be crucial in the fight against infectious diseases. This includes investing in infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and ensuring that communities have the resources they need to prevent and respond to outbreaks.
Ultimately, the key to addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases in 2025 will be collaboration and cooperation. By working together, we can build a more resilient and prepared global health system that is capable of responding to the threats of today and tomorrow.
As we navigate the uncertainties of the coming year, one thing is clear: the fight against infectious diseases is far from over. But with determination, innovation, and a shared commitment to public health, we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and build a safer, healthier world for all.
Mpox, the virus that initially spread through sexual contact in multiple countries, has continued to evolve and pose a threat to global health. The outbreak in 2022 primarily affected communities of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The behavioral changes and vaccines developed to combat the virus slowed its spread, but cases of different strains of mpox are still being reported in various parts of the world.
In 2024, two other versions of the virus, clades Ia and Ib, started spreading rapidly in several African countries. These strains are also transmitted through sexual contact and household contacts of infected individuals. The situation in Africa is challenging, with over 14,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and 60 deaths reported this year. Globally, there have been nearly 22,500 confirmed cases and 78 deaths reported from 82 countries.
The limited availability and high cost of the main mpox vaccine, Jynneos, are major obstacles in combating the spread of the virus. The decision to stop vaccinating against smallpox decades ago has left a large population vulnerable to poxviruses, leading to a surge in cases among individuals aged 18 to 49. The World Health Organization declared the spread of mpox a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and issued a second emergency declaration in August of the following year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the question arises of whether the spread of these viruses can be contained or if human-to-human transmission of mpox will become a regular occurrence due to declining immunity. The global health community faces a daunting challenge in addressing the ongoing threat posed by mpox.
In addition to the mpox crisis, there are concerns about the potential withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization. The Trump administration’s intention to withdraw from the WHO in 2020 was rescinded by President Joe Biden upon taking office. However, with a new administration set to assume power, there are renewed discussions about a possible U.S. withdrawal from the organization.
The U.S. is a significant contributor to the WHO in terms of funding and expertise. Losing American support would have a substantial impact on the agency’s operations and programs. It could also pave the way for increased influence from other countries like China in global health initiatives. The implications of a U.S. withdrawal from the WHO are far-reaching and could reshape the landscape of global health governance.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by mpox and the potential shift in American influence in global health, collaborative efforts and strategic interventions will be crucial in safeguarding public health on a global scale. The coming years will test the resilience and adaptability of the global health community in the face of evolving threats and geopolitical dynamics. As the potential for major cuts to research efforts at the CDC and funding through the National Institutes of Health looms, scientists in the United States are considering seeking new opportunities abroad. This could lead to a significant brain drain in the field of infectious disease research, with top academics looking to European institutions for new opportunities.
Isabella Eckerle, director of Switzerland’s Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, has been vocal about the potential for a mass exodus of U.S. talent to Europe. She believes that European institutions are primed to benefit from this influx of expertise, particularly in the areas of infectious disease research. Eckerle has stated that this shift could drive innovation in tools, data science, drug development, and vaccine development in Europe, positioning the continent as a leader in infectious disease research for years to come.
With the uncertainty surrounding research funding in the U.S., many scientists are preparing for a turbulent future. The possibility of cuts to essential programs and resources has led many to consider their options and explore opportunities overseas. As the landscape of scientific research continues to evolve, it is essential for researchers to stay adaptable and open to new possibilities.
If the predicted brain drain does occur, it could have far-reaching implications for the future of scientific research in the United States. Institutions and policymakers must consider the potential consequences of these cuts and work to ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in scientific innovation and discovery. In the meantime, scientists are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential changes in the research landscape in the coming years.