Human monkeypox — After 40 years, an unintended consequence of smallpox eradication

Abstract

Monkeypox is one of the many zoonotic viruses that belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family with a similar clinical appearance to smallpox. The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and lymphadenopathy. The transmission of monkeypox occurs from infected animals to humans or through direct contact (sexual or skin-to-skin), respiratory droplets, and clothing such as towels. The incidence of monkeypox is rising drastically over the world. This short communication discusses the causes of the rising monkeypox cases and emphasizes strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.

First case of monkeypox in Pakistan: WHO’s response and steps to prevent an outbreak

“…It is also essential to prepare health facilities and personnel to identify, isolate, and treat cases of Mpox, as early detection and prompt treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent its spread. By increasing public awareness and preparedness, we can contribute to controlling and preventing Mpox outbreaks, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities 27–29 .…”

“…It is also essential to prepare health facilities and personnel to identify, isolate, and treat cases of Mpox, as early detection and prompt treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent its spread. By increasing public awareness and preparedness, we can contribute to controlling and preventing Mpox outbreaks, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities [27][28][29] . Wastewater surveillance also plays a vital role in establishing robust surveillance systems necessary for the effective and timely prevention and control of emerging and seasonal infectious diseases, including Mpox.…”

Mpox knowledge and vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers in Beijing, China: A cross-sectional survey

“…This phenomenon may be related to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, which provided some cross-protection against Mpox, leading to increased human-to-human transmission [4] , [5] . Since the eradication of smallpox was announced by the World Health Assembly in 1980, routine vaccination against smallpox has not been mandated, and immunity to the orthopoxvirus in young people has continuously waned over time [6] , [7] . With the spread of the Mpox virus, two cases were released in June 2023 [8] .…”