Human Mpox: A Deadliest Pox Virus till Date

Abstract

The ongoing 2022 multicountry outbreak of Mpox (monkey pox) is an emerging and re-emerging Zoonotic viral disease. Mpox is a double-stranded DNA virus. It can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. It draws world’s attention because of the increasing occurrence of human outbreaks recent years, beyond its traditional geographical location. The incubation period of the disease can be 5 to 21 days. The current 2022 outbreak of Mpox in newly reported countries primarily affects men (homosexual or bisexual) and genital skin lesions are a dominant symptom. Genome sequencing has revealed that the Clade IIb variant is responsible for the Mpox ourbreak. Healthcare professionals are at higher risk of becoming infected since they are in close contact with patients directly. Children, pregnant women & people with weak immune system are at risk for complication from Mpox.

The WHO declared, Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on 25 July 2022. So, it is important to update knowledge of this zoonotic infection, including case finding, contact tracing, laboratory investigation, clinical management, isolation and implementation of infection prevention control measures and prophylaxis to understand the broader implication of the current outbreak. WHO published a strategic preparedness & response plan for Mpox.

CDC allows use of stockpiled Tecovirimat to Mpox during an outbreak. VIGIV is licenced by FDA for the treatment of complications due to vaccinia vaccination. A newer vaccine based on modified attenuated vaccinia virus (Ankara strain) was approved for the prevention of Mpox.