A Review on Monkeypox

Abstract

Monkeypox is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by a DNA virus that belongs to the orthopox virus genus of the Poxviridae family. After the eradication of smallpox in 1980, monkeypox has gradually emerged as the most important orthopox virus from a public health perspective. Monkeypox typically causes fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals. MPXV (monkeypox virus) is considered a large virus that measures about 200–250 nm with the appearance “brick-like” or ovoid shape, The virus’s original source is wild animals. It can be found in a variety of mammals including squirrels, mangabey monkeys, and Gambian rats. Viral transmission can occur through direct and indirect contact with live or dead animals, including handling wild game, a bite or scratch, or contact with fluids or lesions from an infected animal. Human-to-human transmission likely occurs through contact with lesions, body fluids, contaminated bedding or clothing, and exposure to respiratory droplets from infected persons. Animal-to-human transmission of MPXV may occur via animal bites or scratches by infected small mammals, including rodents and nonhuman primates, or through the consumption of bush meat. Any patient with a fever and disseminated vesicular or pustular rash should be immediately placed on airborne and contact precautions, as these are the classic symptoms of Orthopox virus infections. smallpox antivirals with poxvirus activity, such as cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat, are active against the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting disease; however, new-borns, children, and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious illness and death.