Journal of Public Health and Primary Care (Jan 2023)
Monkeypox 2022: Emerging zoonotic epidemic threat, future implications, and way ahead
Abstract
Introduction: Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease that is caused by a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus and is closely related to smallpox and cowpox viruses. The emerging epidemic amid the current COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of concern and warrants urgent public health attention with key issues discussed in the article. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore emerging zoonotic, epidemic threats, future implications, and the way ahead in respect of monkeypox. Methodology: Secondary data from official government sites, press information, latest articles, newspapers, and the WHO website were extracted and discussed in the article. The current epidemiology of monkeypox with the difference from the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighted in the study. The most probable factors for the emergence and recent outbreak are also discussed. The period of the study was from May 20, 2022, to May 27, 2022, and was conducted in the medical college of Western Maharashtra. Results and Discussion: Total number of 25 articles/government/international websites were assessed. While comparing the number of cases among different countries across the globe, the present outbreak has involved different countries with no geographical continuity, with a maximum number of cases from Portugal, Spain, and the United States of America. A comparison of epidemiological determinants of COVID-19 and monkeypox was done which reveals the lesser pandemic potential of monkeypox as compared to COVID-19. Conclusion: The present monkeypox outbreak scenario is different from the previous outbreaks, but with lesser pandemic potential as compared to COVID-19. However, with the increase in the incidence of monkeypox cases in different countries, the fear of cross-border transmission is real. Robust public health surveillance and control measures are vital to address this threat.
Keywords
