Seasonal Patterns of Mpox Index Cases, Africa, 1970-2021

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 May;30(5):1017-1021. doi: 10.3201/eid3005.230293.

Abstract

Across 133 confirmed mpox zoonotic index cases reported during 1970-2021 in Africa, cases occurred year-round near the equator, where climate is consistent. However, in tropical regions of the northern hemisphere under a dry/wet season cycle, cases occurred seasonally. Our findings further support the seasonality of mpox zoonotic transmission risk.

Keywords: Africa; Seasonal; monkey pox; mpox; viruses; zoonoses; zoonotic infections.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Seasons*
  • Zoonoses* / epidemiology