Monkey Pox: An Emerging Outbreak

Abstract

Monkeypox is a viral disease, with very rare cases. It has gained attention because of its similarities to smallpox. It was diagnosed in 1958 for the first time in monkeys and then later this disease effected people of Africa who were living in the western and central parts of Africa. The virus is liable for monkeypox, an orthopoxvirus, and is generally transmitted to people through contact with animals such as rodents, monkeys, and different wildlife. Human-to-human transmission can occur, mainly in localized outbreaks. Although monkeypox is sporadic and typically considered a zoonotic disease, it has caused epidemics in Central and West Africa. These outbreaks are often connected to close touch with infected animals, especially in rural communities. Some common symptoms include rash, fever, and pustules. While the mortality rate of this disease is 1-10% which is less than small pox. Treatment includes addressing signs such as fever, pain, and skin lesions. Patients may also require hospitalization, especially if they develop extreme complications, and have to be isolated to prevent human-to-human transmission. Research into antiviral medicinal drugs and vaccines is ongoing; however, in September 2021, no licensed monkeypox-specific antiviral drugs or vaccines were available. Preventing monkeypox generally includes decreasing the risk of exposure to the virus. Key preventive measures include people in endemic regions reducing contact with animals that carry the virus, including rodents and monkeys. This review provides an overview of monkeypox, focusing on its epidemiology, treatment, and prevention strategies.