Exploring Monkeypox: An In-depth Examination of Its History, Current Status, and Prospects

Introduction: Neglected infectious infections have become more prevalent in recent decades. One example is the monkeypox virus (MPV), genus Orthopoxvirus, capable of spreading between animals and humans. Human monkeypox (MPX) outbreaks have occurred in numerous countries, posing an escalating threat to global health. Methods: Relevant articles were gathered till July 2024 on the MPV using a variety of pertinent information sources, including Elsevier, Science Direct, PubMed, ACS articles, SciFinder, Wiley, and Google Scholar. BioRender was used for creating scientific images on MPV and chemical structures of antivirals were created by using ChemDraw software. Clinical studies information related to MPV was taken from the clinicaltrials.gov website. This review was conducted succeeding PRISMA guidelines to encapsulate the literature accessible on the adopted review topic. Discussion: It is essential to comprehend the variables influencing the MPV’s spread to ensure preparedness for healthcare, and to develop protection against possible threats. The field of MPX emergence has expanded, with a significant increase in infectivity and notable changes in epidemiology in recent years. Collaborative efforts in sharing resources and data globally are essential to facilitate the study of viruses and develop effective countermeasures. To mitigate the serious consequences of new outbreaks and their spread, it is imperative to enhance our understanding of this infection, particularly focusing on prevention strategies, clinical courses, and epidemiology. Conclusion: This article offers a concise review of literature spanning from historical accounts to the latest advancements in knowledge regarding the epidemiology, etiology, transmission, clinical characteristics, available treatments, and vaccines for human MPV infection. It consolidates data on the most recent developments in the prevention as well as management of human MPX, providing a detailed overview for reference.