Monkeypox virus infection: A clinical review based on the 2022 global outbreak

Abstract

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic infection caused by an orthopox DNA virus of the family which causes smallpox. The new outbreak of mpox was first reported in Europe in May 2022, which led to cases being reported in non-endemic countries across the globe. The main modes of human-to-human transmission are through bodily secretions or contact with skin sores. More than 83,000 cases of mpox have been reported globally in 110 affected countries, with 72 confirmed deaths. The predominant mode of transmission is through animal-to-human infected body fluids. The main clinical presentation of patients with mpox is with mucocutaneous manifestation with a range of recorded descriptions of the skin lesions. Most of the patients recover without any medical intervention as mostly the disease is self-limiting. The usual supportive care is needed. Although there is no specific treatment, yet antivirals are used for the treatment of mpox which were originally developed for use in patients with smallpox. At present, there are two available vaccines which can mitigate the risk of developing mpox. The timely global collaboration between the World Health Organization and different countries has helped to mitigate the public health impact of mpox.