Aboubacry Gaye

Abstract Mpox is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by MPXV, which has led to outbreaks across multiple countries in recent years. Sierra Leone reported its first mpox case in 8 years in January 2025, rapidly becoming the epicenter of a continental outbreak with more than 5,000 confirmed cases by August, a surge with unknown origins, timings and drivers.

Abstract During preparedness activities in Senegal to the 2024 Mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern, a study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Varicella-Zoster virus among patients suspected of having Mpox. Samples, including skin swabs, serum, and nasopharyngeal swabs, were collected from 103 patients who presented with Mpox-like symptoms. Molecular testing via qPCR revealed that 30.1% of patients tested positive for herpesviruses, whereas no Mpox cases were detected.

Abstract Numerous studies elucidated the kinetics of the humoral immune response post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses and their interaction with pre-existing seasonal human coronavirus (HCoVs: OC43, 229E, NL63, HKU1) immunity remain underexplored. A prospective cohort study was conducted in Senegal during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March to December 2020).