The U.S. Public Health Response to Mpox: Historical, Medical, Governmental, and Ethical Perspectives

Abstract

The mpox pandemic of 2022 signaled the global reemergence of a virus that had for years been endemic in Africa. While now the global outbreak has been relatively contained, the early months of the U.S. response were characterized by stigma, deficient resources, and a lack of coordination as thousands of individuals suffered. This paper first analyzes the history and origin of the monkeypox virus to put the current outbreak in context and illustrate what has and has not been learned. The medical aspects of the virus itself will be presented along with transmission, prevention, and treatment details. Next, despite the criticisms drawn from the U.S. public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the response to the mpox outbreak will be highlighted, focusing on the missteps and analyzing the consequences of the ill preparedness. Then, in order to begin remedying many of the issues seen over the past year, this issue is analyzed from a Catholic Social Teaching perspective to establish an ethical basis for the U.S.’s future responsibilities to its citizens and the world. Lastly, recommendations will be made to prepare the country for the next pandemic using language, federal, sexual health, vaccination, and research perspectives.