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Monkeypox: A Viral Zoonotic Disease of Rising Global Concern
Sukumaran Anil1,2, Betsy Joseph3,4, Mary Thomas1
1Department of Dentistry, Oral Health Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Post Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.
Infectious Diseases & Immunity
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Monkeypox (mpox) is a global viral disease emergency. This review covers mpox virology, epidemiology, and control, highlighting knowledge gaps for future pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- * Virology and Epidemiology
- * Public Health and Infectious Diseases
Background:
- * Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic viral disease endemic to Africa, with a global spread declared a public health emergency.
- * The 2022 mpox outbreak saw unusual global transmission, likely due to increased travel and waning immunity, primarily spreading through close contact.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review current literature on mpox, covering virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, diagnostics, treatment, prevention, and control.
- * To identify critical knowledge gaps hindering outbreak containment and future prevention.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive literature review of monkeypox (mpox) research.
- * Synthesis of data on mpox virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and public health responses.
Main Results:
- * Mpox transmission is increasingly occurring through close contact, posing challenges to control efforts.
- * Limited antiviral treatments and vaccines exist, with ongoing research into their effectiveness and availability.
- * Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding animal reservoirs, viral evolution, diagnostics, and long-term immunity.
Conclusions:
- * Continued research is essential to understand mpox's evolving epidemiology, pathogenicity, and ecology.
- * Addressing knowledge gaps is crucial for effective outbreak containment and preventing future global health emergencies.
- * Enhanced global capacity for surveillance, response, and development of countermeasures is needed.
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