Monkeypox (Mpox) re-emergence: prevalence, diagnostics, countermeasures, and its global effect

While the world is still trying to emerge from the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the nations are trying to nullify the repercussions caused by it; another outbreak known as the monkeypox virus (MPXV) has recommenced. Human monkeypox, a rare viral zoonosis (an infectious disease that can be transferred from non-human animals to humans), is caused by the MPXV, a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus (family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae). Since eradicating smallpox globally in 1977, monkeypox has been the primary orthopoxvirus infection in humans. On July 14, 2022, the first case in India was reported in the Kollam district of Kerala. It manifests with the same symptoms as smallpox, including flu-like symptoms, fever, malaise, headache, back pain, and a characteristic rash. New medications have shown promising results, but more study is needed for the drug’s efficacy in endemic settings. The monkeypox virus is a high-danger pathogen that causes a significant disease for public health. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop surveillance capabilities that can yield valuable data for creating suitable preventative, preparedness, and response operations.