Prevention and treatment of monkeypox: an analytical review

Abstract

1. Introduction to Monkeypox
Human monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads through handling infected animals and bushmeat. Monkeypox has similarities to smallpox and is classified as a bioterrorism threat. The current vaccine is similar to the smallpox vaccine, but new treatments are needed. Antivirals have had limited success in treating monkeypox. The virus was first identified in lab monkeys in 1958 and has since been found in other animals. There are no veterinary vaccines and monkeypox is expected to continue spreading. People born after 1980 are no longer immune, except for the elderly. U.S. states have a process for monitoring and containing monkeypox cases.
Methods
A treatment was tested on monkeys infected with Monkeypox. It reduced the amount of live virus and improved various symptoms. Another group of monkeys received prophylactic treatment, with one monkey remaining healthy without treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it was noted that where smallpox persists in certain isolated areas, there is a risk for development of monkeypox and possibly ultimately for re-introduction of smallpox to those areas not protected by vaccination. These are concerns of public health dimensions. Presently, further systematic attempts to eradicate smallpox or monkeypox in wild animal reservoirs are not in operation. Epidemiological infrastructure needs to prepare proactively for future combined actions on zoonotic, enzootic and possibly anthropozoonotic-enhanced aspects as well as a survey of all orthopoxviruses and need to refine a detailed understanding of their epidemiology as well as host and virus interactions in order to foster continuous refinement of public health intervention measures. Many physicians have never seen a case of smallpox. They are, therefore, very important to the immunization program, particularly as regards the reporting and management of vaccinia. Physicians treating smallpox and monkeypox may encounter most of the orthopox infections that occur in this country, and their recognition is necessary for epidemiologic studies of transmission and prompt interventions to prevent further spread.