Monkeypox: Past, Present, and Future

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPV) of the Poxviridae family.
• MPV infection presents with distinct prodromal and rash phases, including fever, malaise, and characteristic skin lesions.
• The 2022 global outbreak marked a significant increase in Mpox cases in non-endemic countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document all reported Mpox cases globally from 1970 to 2023.
• To analyze the epidemiology of the 2022 Mpox outbreak, including transmission dynamics.
• To discuss the historical, current, and future perspectives of MPV.

Main Methods:

• Review of documented Mpox cases from 1970 to 2023.
• Analysis of epidemiological data from global health organizations (WHO, CDC).
• Phylogenetic analysis of the MPV strain involved in the 2022 outbreak.

Main Results:

• Over 86,000 Mpox cases and 105 deaths reported globally by March 2023.
• The 2022 outbreak was linked to the West African MPV clade.
• Transmission primarily occurred through intimate contact, predominantly among men who have sex with men (MSM), with limited travel history to endemic areas.

Conclusions:

• The 2022 Mpox outbreak demonstrated rapid spread in non-endemic regions, necessitating enhanced control strategies.
• Understanding transmission patterns, particularly intimate contact, is crucial for public health interventions.
• Continued surveillance and research are vital for managing MPV globally.