A Review of Mpox (Monkeypox) Disease: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatments and Preventions

Abstract Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, an Orthopox virus. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, monkeypox has been identified as an epidemic in 127 nations so far, and it is spreading quickly over the globe. WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) twice, the first time in May 2022 and the second time in August 2024. The clinical infestation of mpox may typically begin with a prodromal phase that includes fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes. This is followed by the onset of a distinctive rash that usually appears one to three days after the fever. The rash progresses through several stages, starting as macules, then becoming papules, vesicles, and finally pustules before crusting over. Lesions can occur on various parts of the body, including the face, palms, soles, and mucous membranes. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, chills, and respiratory symptoms, although these can vary in severity. Even though it is clinically unclear from other pox-like infections, laboratory diagnosis is essential. There is no specific treatment for human monkeypox virus infection, however, smallpox vaccination can defend counter to the disease. This review was focused on clinical manifestation, epidemiological situation, diagnosis, treatments and prevention measures of Monkeypox disease in an existing knowledge to raise awareness from health professionals, public population, national level to the globe as whole to adopt effective preventions measures to reduce the risk of disease to be pandemic after COVID-19. Monkeypox is now a public health concern disease as the WHO declared for the second time a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The new cases of the disease are reported in non-endemic countries which make the other countries implement emergency prevention strategies to avoid the spread of the disease. Humans can exhibit signs and symptoms that are disturbingly like chickenpox, Smallpox, or other vesiculopustular rashes. An outbreak requires precise and prompt laboratory identification. Infection may be prevented by avoiding contact with infected animals and reducing respiratory exposure of infected person. Also, by avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets or other materials that have been in contact with an infected animal or person. The ongoing surveillance of country level could promote prevention strategies in globe. Keywords: Mpox(Monkeypox), Public health concern, Zoonosis, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Africa