Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis of Monkeypox

Abstract

Monkeypox is an evolving zoonotic disease which is caused by the monkeypox virus. In the recent times the number of cases across the globe has increased. The disease was previously endemic to Africa but is now spreading worldwide. More than 62,000 cases were reported across 104 countries. The illness typically has an incubation period of 7 to 14 days and symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, myalgia, generalized body aches, lymph node enlargement, and skin lesions are common. Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, but lymphadenopathy is the characteristic feature of monkeypox. Due to the numerous illnesses that can produce skin rashes, it may be challenging to distinguish monkeypox solely based on clinical presentation hence individuals suspected with monkeypox infection should be tested for the virus. Diagnostic tests are essential for determining the presence of an orthopoxvirus infection. When these tests are paired with clinical and epidemiological data, such as a patient's history of vaccinations, they are most effective. Surface lesions and/or skin materials like crusts and exudate swabs are good samples for diagnosis. Nucleic acid amplification testing, such as real-time or classical polymerase chain reactions, is used in the laboratory to confirm specimens from suspected cases. Clinical and epidemiological data should be taken into account when monkeypox infection is confirmed. Further research is needed to develop preventive strategies to minimize the spread of the disease. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about an epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of monkeypox.