Abstract Global efforts to eradicate smallpox—an Orthopoxvirus infection—began in the mid-20th century, with the last naturally occurring case reported in 1977. This was achieved through global solidarity efforts that expanded the smallpox eradication vaccination program . Approximately 50 years following the cessation of mass smallpox vaccination and in the absence of access to a sustainable boosting program , the population immunologically naïve to Orthopoxviruses has increased significantly. With increasing global movements and travels, we argue that the emergence of two back-to-back yet distinct mpox epidemics in the 21st century is a sign of humanity’s lost herd immunity to Orthopoxviruses. This needs concerted efforts to restore. Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/9/1257 ____
Media Monitoring for Signals about Emerging Threats