The Role of Public Health Interventions and Control Measures During Mpox Outbreaks: Enhancing Strategies for Disease Prevention and Management

Mpox (formerly-monkeypox) is the second viral pit break after COVID-19. It is a zoonotic viral illness caused by an <i>orthopox virus</i> belonging to the same genus as various cowpox and vaccinia viruses. The mpox virus has two clades, clade IIb, responsible for the disease's global expansion in 2022. The virus can be isolated from rodents, squirrels, and dormice; however, the actual reservoir is unknown. Animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission can occur through noninvasive as well as invasive routes. The disease is more prevalent among homosexuals and injectable drug users, as long-term contact is required for transmission. The disease typically presents with fever, myalgia, rash, and lymphadenopathy following an incubation period of 1-2 weeks. Skin lesions are considered preferred diagnostic specimen, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remaining the gold standard for confirming diagnosis. Symptomatic treatment antipyretics, antihistamines, and warm baths are given. Oral and intravenous antivirals like tecovirimat and cidofovir are used only in emergency settings, as the clinical trials on their efficacy are still in progress. Vaccinia intravenous immunoglobulins IVIG can be used in immunocompromised individuals. ACAM 2000, IMVAMUNE, and Dryvax are the available vaccines. Non-pharmacological interventions like hand hygiene, social distancing, and personal protective equipment can significantly reduce viral transmission, whereas early diagnosis can limit the prevalence by providing timely public health interventions.