Monkeypox (Mpox) disease, caused by the Monkeypox virus (Mpox virus), emerged as a significant global health threat during the 2022 outbreak, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Rapid evolution through genomic modifications enhanced its outbreak potential. Zoonotic transmission occurs through close contact with infected rodents or primates; human-to-human transmission occurs via close contact or homosexual intercourse. The virus disseminates via the lymphatic system, causing symptoms ranging from mild skin lesions to severe multi-system complications or even death. Diagnosis incorporates clinical symptoms as well as advanced molecular and immunological methods. Currently, no specific antiviral medications or vaccines are available for Mpox, necessitating reliance on conventional therapeutic supports and treatments developed for smallpox. Raising awareness, promoting protective practices, implementing surveillance, enabling rapid diagnosis, ensuring timely treatment, and promoting mass vaccination are crucial to curb Mpox transmission. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on epidemiology, evolution, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and prevention strategies for Mpox.
Islam et al. (Tue,) studied this question.