Outbreaks of human monkeypox during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review for healthcare professionals

Prithiviraj Nagarajan; Anusheela Howlader; Leena Rajathy  Port Louis; Kumar Rangarajalu

doi:10.18502/ijm.v14i6.11252

Prithiviraj Nagarajan Multi-Disciplinary Centre for Biomedical Research, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India
Anusheela Howlader Department of Microbiology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, India
Leena Rajathy Port Louis Department of Pharmacology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India
Kumar Rangarajalu Department of Biochemistry, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v14i6.11252

Keywords: Orthopoxvirus; Monkeypox; Human; Re-emergence; Vaccination; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prevention; Health- care professionals; Outbreak

Abstract

The ongoing 2022 multicountry monkeypox epidemic has drawn worldwide attention. Human monkeypox is a virus that spreads from animals to humans. It isan endemic disease in the rain forests of Central and West Africa. However, the disease recently emerged in India, and also in United States through importedwild rodents from Africa, even though the world is still struggling to escape from the clutches of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monkeypox is one of thecontagious zoonotic dis- eases caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), transmitted to humans by direct contact with an infected person or animal or contact with virus-contaminated material. Its lesions are similar to smallpox in humans with various medical complications including flu-like symptoms, fever, malaise, back pain, headache, and a characteristic rash. Public health experts around the world are very concerned about the rapid spread of the infection, which hasintensified efforts to find the source and cause of this phenomenon. Several viral infections with epidemic potential threaten global health security. Early recognition of cases and timely intervention of potential transmission chains are necessary to contain further outbreaks. At this early stage of monkeypox outbreaks, the current review provides updated information on the current worldwide monkeypox outbreak status, disease aetiology, clinical presentation,therapy, and preventive measures worldwide. Our review will also provide useful information to health professionals and the general public.