Is monkeypox going to be the next pandemic?

Abstract

Background and aims In the current global scenario, the monkeypox virus has infected over 3000 individuals from endemic countries like Nigeria, along with non-endemic countries like the UK, Canada, the USA, etc. Based on the current information, it has been observed that monkeypox cases have primarily, though not exclusively, been found among men who have sex with men (MSM) in countries such as the UK. This article discusses the recent outbreak of monkeypox, its causes, and the various approaches to combat monkeypox infections. Methods We evaluated the trends of recent outbreaks of monkeypox in different countries and compared them to how the COVID-19 pandemic started. Results At present, monkeypox has been reported to spread to over 58 countries via skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, contaminated bed sheets, clothing, or respiratory routes. Smallpox vaccines have been proven to have 85% efficacy against monkeypox. To mitigate this current outbreak, WHO urges people to practice good hygiene and safe sex. The documentation of more cases and further onward spread in the countries in member states are most likely to reoccur, and if not contained, we might experience another global pandemic. Therefore, more research is required to avert this problem. Conclusion Monkeypox virus is testing if we have complied with COVID-19 pandemic lessons and elucidates the urgency of research required to understand the monkeypox disease.

A comprehensive review of Langya virus and framework for future zoonotic disease control

“…The respiratory symptoms and clinical indicators of LayV closely resemble those of a flu‐like illness, creating challenges in the diagnostic process 3,5,15,22 . The specific nature of the disease, hence, often remains unnoticed by individuals until cases progress to a severe stage, potentially leading to fatalities.…”

“…In particular, patients should be wearing face masks while sneezing or coughing, keeping safe distance with other people, and maintaining proper hand hygiene in every activity 14 . Supplements such as vitamins, zinc, and selenium have currently been beneficial as a role of immune boosters, so they are more widely prescribed for supportive care 3 . Major preventive cautions of Langya virus were summarised in Figure 4.…”

“…The response of regional government bodies to this newly discovered virus is also reported and worth considering. Although there have been efforts from the Chinese government to study the first cases of LayV, it is imperative that China CDC intensify their research endeavours to avoid miscommunication and underreporting as witnessed during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic 3 . LayV cases were found in two eastern Chinese regions; however, there can be cases elsewhere since shrews are widely distributed.…”

“…The spectrum of clinical manifestations ranges from mild to severe symptoms. Patients can manifest with fever, cough, expectoration, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, and lymphadenopathy 3,5,15,22 . In addition, severe cases may result in thrombocytopaenia, which may cause melaena, gingival bleeding, and abdominal discomfort 3,5,15,22,24,25 .…”

“…Currently, no definitive treatments or vaccine for this virus exist. Besides standard supportive care, 19 treatment options include some antivirals such as ribavirin, favipiravir, chloroquine, and intravenous administration of monoclonal antibody m102.4 3,5,6,17,20,26 . In light of this, the m102.4 has been known to be safe and well tolerated against Hendra and Nipah viruses, but no specific dose was established 27 .…”