The Mpox, serious menace, or paper tiger?

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Smallpox (Variola) eradication in the 20th century has led to a decline in cross-immunity against related Orthopoxviruses.
• Monkeypox (Mpox) virus, an endemic African virus, has seen a global increase in cases, posing a re-emerging threat.
• Poxviruses, including Variola and Mpox, possess mechanisms to evade immune responses and disrupt cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on Monkeypox (Mpox) emergence and spread.
• To highlight the limited knowledge and surveillance of Mpox globally.
• To emphasize the importance of public education and enhanced surveillance for Mpox control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reports on Mpox from PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Analysis of data from 2018 to June 2022.
• Synthesis of information regarding Mpox epidemiology and characteristics.

Main Results:

• Global emergence of Mpox cases has been reported, moving beyond its endemic regions.
• A significant portion of the global population is now susceptible to Mpox due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination.
• Current knowledge regarding Mpox is limited due to inadequate surveillance methods.

Conclusions:

• Increased public education, robust surveillance, and improved diagnostic capabilities are essential for effective Mpox management.
• Without monitoring and awareness, Mpox poses a significant health risk; with these measures, it can be effectively controlled.
• Urgent action is needed to bolster global preparedness for potential Mpox outbreaks.