Study reports the primary local case of mpox brought on by imported case within the Chinese mainland

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic disease brought on by the mpox virus (MPXV) that has been primarily limited to Central and West African nations since its discovery. The recent spread of the West African lineage of MPXV in historically unaffected countries has raised concerns for global public health. Despite a major decrease in global mpox cases, there remains to be a risk of a worldwide resurgence. This study reports the primary local case of mpox brought on by an imported case within the Chinese mainland. Polymerase chain response (PCR) diagnosed the 2 cases, and the viral genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing. Genomic evaluation revealed that the 2 strains shared an analogous genome sequence and belonged to the B.1.3 branch of the West African lineage, which is the primary local case of mpox brought on by an imported case within the Chinese mainland, highlighting the potential threat of mpox in China and the immediate need for adequate surveillance measures.

Highlights

• The primary local case of monkeypox (mpox) within the Chinese mainland is reported.
• Secondary infection was observed in the present case brought on by sexual contact in the boys who’ve sex
with men (MSM) population.
• The monkeypox virus (MPXV) of current cases belonged to the B.1.3 branch of the West African lineage.