S2E9 Under the Skin: The Evolving Story of Mpox

Mpox isn’t just a headline from 2022. In this episode, we explore what scientists have learned about mpox since the global outbreak — from how the virus moves through the body to why its lesions can be so painful. We break down the biology of orthopoxviruses, the surprising role of human immune enzymes in shaping viral evolution, and the emergence of a new lineage known as clade Ib that researchers are watching closely. We also look at the bigger picture: wildlife reservoirs, genomic surveillance, vaccine strategies, and the global inequities that shape how outbreaks unfold. Mpox is not the most transmissible virus, nor the most lethal. But it offers a clear window into how zoonotic diseases evolve — and what happens when global attention fades while transmission continues. Topics covered: Mpox symptoms and pathogenesis How the virus spreads APOBEC3 mutations and viral evolution Clade Ib and emerging lineages Wildlife reservoirs and spillover Vaccines, antivirals, and public health response Global inequity in outbreak response See blog post at Infectiousdose.com for all citations.