A Review of the Recent Monkeypox Outbreak in 2022

The coincidence of the monkeypox outbreak with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raises a global concern about a potential new pandemic and the possible consequences. As the World Health Organization declared the international monkeypox outbreak a global emergency, there is apprehension about the complications and mortality of monkeypox infection. The monkeypox virus is a zoonosis: a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Human-to-human transmission occurs with close contact with respiratory secretions, sores on an infected person's skin, or contaminated items like clothing. Monkeypox is endemic in regions of Africa, however, because of smallpox eradication and a decrease in vaccination efforts, this led to an outbreak in the United States of America in 2003 and a new world outbreak in 2022. Most patients experience prodromal sickness with fever, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes before developing a rash. In addition to skin lesions, individuals may also experience secondary skin and/or soft tissue infection, pneumonitis, ocular problems, and encephalitis. There is an increased risk of infection among men who have sex with men and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) patients. The polymerase chain reaction is the gold standard for diagnosis. Management is usually supportive but some cases may require tecovirimat. This is a comprehensive review of monkeypox virus epidemiology, clinical features, and the most up-to-date, effective management and prevention.