[Correspondence] Mpox virus in human breastmilk and tecovirimat pharmacokinetics: implications for postnatal transmission
Summary
The 2022–23 multinational mpox outbreak was predominantly caused by monkeypox virus clade IIb. More recently, increased transmission of monkeypox virus clade I—including clade Ib—has raised renewed concern in central and east Africa, with occasional international spread. According to WHO surveillance data, 52 845 confirmed cases and 215 deaths were reported globally in 2025 (data as of Dec 31, 2025, in 98 reporting…
The 2022–23 multinational mpox outbreak was predominantly caused by monkeypox virus clade IIb. More recently, increased transmission of monkeypox virus clade I—including clade Ib—has raised renewed concern in central and east Africa, with occasional international spread. According to WHO surveillance data, 52 845 confirmed cases and 215 deaths were reported globally in 2025 (data as of Dec 31, 2025, in 98 reporting countries).1 Mpox in pregnancy remains an active area of research because of severe complications in pregnant women and neonates.