MPXV is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the family Poxviridae’s genus Orthopoxviruses. It has an incubation period of 6-13 days (range 5-21 days) and is a sylvatic zoonotic virus that is spread via droplet exposure via inhaled big droplets as well as by direct contact with infected skin lesions and/or with contagious materials. Despite being present in African rats, the natural animal reservoir is still unidentified. The Gambian marsupial, tree squirrel, rope squirrel, sooty mangabey monkey, and potentially more species are further known zoonotic reservoirs for MPXV.
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreaks have recently spread to a number of nations on practically all continents. No source of infection has been identified to date, in contrast to rare instances linked to travel to endemic nations. In three WHO areas (Australia, North America, and Europe), there have been 92 laboratory-confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases with ongoing investigations as of 13:00 on May 21. Despite being present in African rats, the natural animal reservoir is still unidentified. The Gambian marsupial, tree squirrel, rope squirrel, sooty mangabey monkey, and potentially other species are further known zoonotic reservoirs for MPXV. The illness presents clinically in a manner resembling smallpox, with a maculopapular rash that usually affects the palms and soles.
Genital lesions show that transmission most likely happened through close physical contact, and the majority of cases were young men who defined themselves as men who have sex with men (MSM). Due to the extraordinarily high frequency of human-to-human transfer seen in this outbreak, the disease background and transmission are mysterious. We must ascertain and validate that the virus has not undergone any kind of modification.
In summary, increased mindfulness, dynamic infection observation, early conclusion, and fast communication of information for wellbeing frameworks to execute any open mediation measures are vital components of controlling the spread of a MPXV that shows scourge potential.
Reference:
Velavan TP, Meyer CG. Monkeypox 2022 outbreak: An update. Trop Med Int Health. 2022 Jul;27(7):604-605. doi: 10.1111/tmi.13785. Epub 2022 Jun 14. PMID: 35633308.
