Mpox Emergency Response Technical Overview

Technical Approaches

Mpox Emergency Response Technical Overview

Mpox is a viral infectious disease caused by an orthopoxvirus in the same family as smallpox and has emerged as a growing public health threat in several African countries. It spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials or infected animals. Symptoms typically begin with fever and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a painful rash that can spread across the body. While many infections are mild, Mpox can cause severe illness, complications in children and long-term scarring. 

In well-resourced health systems, outbreaks can often be contained through rapid detection, safe isolation and clear public communication. In fragile settings, the risks are significantly greater. Limited infection prevention systems allow health facilities to become sites of transmission. Weak laboratory networks delay confirmation. Fear, stigma and misinformation can discourage early care-seeking and isolation. 

Mpox represents not only a clinical challenge but also a systems challenge. Containing outbreaks requires strong surveillance, resilient health facilities and trusted community engagement to detect and respond quickly. 

IMA World Health operates at that intersection, supporting countries to contain outbreaks while strengthening the health systems that underpin global health security. 

Download Now May 17, 2026