A Review of the Recent Monkeypox Outbreak in 2022

Abstract

The coincidence of the monkeypox outbreak with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raises a global concern about a potential new pandemic and the possible consequences. As the World Health Organization declared the international monkeypox outbreak a global emergency, there is apprehension about the complications and mortality of monkeypox infection.The monkeypox virus is a zoonosis: a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Human-to-human transmission occurs with close contact with respiratory secretions, sores on an infected person's skin, or contaminated items like clothing.Monkeypox is endemic in regions of Africa, however, because of smallpox eradication and a decrease in vaccination efforts, this led to an outbreak in the United States of America in 2003 and a new world outbreak in 2022.Most patients experience prodromal sickness with fever, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes before developing a rash. In addition to skin lesions, individuals may also experience secondary skin and/or soft tissue infection, pneumonitis, ocular problems, and encephalitis. There is an increased risk of infection among men who have sex with men and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) patients. The polymerase chain reaction is the gold standard for diagnosis. Management is usually supportive but some cases may require tecovirimat. This is a comprehensive review of monkeypox virus epidemiology, clinical features, and the most up-to-date, effective management and prevention.

Willingness to accept monkeypox vaccine and its correlates among men who have sex with men in Southern China: a web-based online cross-sectional study

“…Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, and is a zoonotic virus ( 3 ). The clinical presentation of MPXV is similar to that of smallpox virus and is characterized by the presence of varicella or scabs on the skin, primarily affecting the trunk, face, and genital area ( 4 , 5 ).…”

Single Dose of Recombinant Chimeric Horsepox Virus (TNX-801) Vaccination Protects Macaques from Lethal Monkeypox Challenge

“…The threat of the intentional or accidental release of VARV and the reemergence of smallpox has not completely disappeared. In addition, the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox highlights the continuing need to develop safer single dose smallpox and monkeypox vaccines [ 10 ]. One potential approach to address this unmet need is to explore the use of the horsepox virus (HPXV) as a vaccine.…”

Utilizing non‐human primate models to combat recent COVID‐19/SARS‐CoV‐2 and viral infectious disease outbreaks

“…In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an epidemic caused by the monkeypox virus (MPOX), marking its first occurrence outside of Africa. Originally identified as transmitting from animals to humans in 1970 in Congo, it remained endemic until the 2022 epidemic 11–13 . Recent records indicate that viruses belonging to the Filoviridae family have been responsible for two other significant epidemics, Marburg (MARV) and Ebola (EBOV).…”

“…Originally identified as transmitting from animals to humans in 1970 in Congo, it remained endemic until the 2022 epidemic. [11][12][13] Recent records indicate that viruses belonging to the Filoviridae family have been responsible for two other significant epidemics, Marburg (MARV) and Ebola (EBOV). The latest Ebola epidemic was observed in Uganda in 2022, while the Marburg outbreak occurred in Guinea and Tanzania in 2023.…”