From Covid to Monkeypox: The Next Chapter in Viral Outbreaks

Emerging and re-emerging viral zoonoses are important cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing and developed nations of the world. The re-emergence of monkeypox has garnered global public health attention. Originally identified in humans in 1970, monkeypox is categorized into two primary clades: Clade I (Congo Basin) and Clade II (West African). The recent global outbreak, mainly involving Clade IIb across 15 African Union Member States, revealed an expanded geographic distribution and shifting transmission patterns. Outbreaks of monkeypox also occurred in non-endemic countries. While monkeypox has traditionally been spread from animals to humans through infected wildlife, recent outbreaks show increased human-to-human transmission, with evidence suggesting reverse zoonosis to pets. This review consolidates current knowledge on the virus’s etiology, host range, epidemiological trends and examines the clinical symptoms, diagnostic complications, ongoing efforts in treatment and prevention. Although smallpox vaccines and antiviral treatments like tecovirimat and brincidofovir exist, controlling monkeypox remains challenging due to evolving transmission routes and severity. Strengthening surveillance, vaccination strategies, and public health measures are essential to mitigating the impact of monkeypox and preventing future outbreaks.