Monkeypox Disease: An Updated Review

Abstract

Monkeypox has recently garnered significant attention as a result of its rapid and simultaneous global dissemination. The objective of this study is to present a succinct overview of the existing literature, while also elucidating the development of the disease in respect to contemporary instances, possible therapeutic approaches, and strategies for preventing infection. To date, a total of 12,261 occurrences have been recorded over a wide range of 76 nations. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that has previously been limited to endemic areas in Western and Central Africa. However, there have been isolated outbreaks in other countries, including the United States, that have been linked to the importation of wild animals from Ghana and other affected areas. The current outbreak has seen a significant shift, with human-to-human transmission surpassing all other modes of transmission. This development has raised concerns regarding the potential extension of the outbreak within communities, particularly in cases that may have gone unreported. The observed results may be attributed to the increase in human-to-human transmission subsequent to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, which provided partial immunity against monkeypox. The occurrence of outbreaks beyond the African continent underscores the worldwide importance of the illness. The demographic that exhibits the highest vulnerability to infection is young males who engage in sexual activity with other males. While the existing understanding suggests that the clinical progression of the disease is very moderate, there remain several unresolved inquiries that necessitate additional investigation. These include the possibility of a genital reservoir of the virus in humans and the possibility of airborne transmission.