WASHINGTON (March 3, 2025)--Human interaction with mpox may be increasing the risk of an emerging pandemic, according to a new commentary published in Nature Medicine. Mpox is a viral infection caused by a virus that is in the same family as the smallpox virus.
Scientists warn that the spread of mpox outside its usual range and other factors increase the risk that this virus could emerge as a significant global health threat in the future.
The George Washington University has experts available to comment on mpox as well as pandemic preparedness, mpox vaccines and related topics. To schedule an interview with a GW expert please contact Kathy Fackelmann, kfackelmann
gwu [dot] edu (kfackelmann[at]gwu[dot]edu) or Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaumgwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Christopher Mores, professor of global health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, is a virologist and can discuss the spread, risk and modes of transmission of mpox. He is the director of a high-containment research laboratory and has investigated outbreaks of Ebola, Zika and others. Mores works closely with the US government and industry on measures to contain or stop emerging disease threats.
Marc Siegel, is an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and and infectious disease expert. He can speak about the mpox vaccine efficacy and distribution.
Jose A. Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences and has served as an investigator in several COVID-19 treatment and prevention clinical trials. His areas of clinical interest include mycobacterial infections, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW University Milken Institute School of Public Health.