Mpox is back – and in new countries. How can this outbreak be contained?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is experiencing a resurgence with new cases appearing in countries previously unaffected. Health officials are monitoring the outbreak, which has shown a concerning impact on children.
Why it matters
The spread of infectious diseases across borders presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating updated containment strategies and public awareness.
A man infected with mpox at a hospital in Burundi./Getty Images A man infected with mpox at a hospital in Burundi./Getty Images Global health Mpox is back – and in new countries. How can this outbreak be contained? The public health emergencies in 2022 and 2024 saw the virus reported in 145 countries, but in the new cases children appear particularly affected
About this content Kat Lay Global health correspondent Wed 26 Aug 2026 07.00 EDT Last modified on Wed 26 Aug 2026 11.04 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google A fresh outbreak of mpox in Guinea Bissau – the country’s first – means the virus formerly known as monkey pox is back in the headlines. So what has changed?
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