Human Monkeypox: Epidemiology, Preparedness and Response

Monkey pox is a zoonotic diseas that is caused by an orthopox virus. It was identified for the first time in 1970 in Congo and spread to other parts of Africa (mainly West and Central). The emergence of the epidemic beyond Africa highlights the global importance of this disease. The risk of monkeypox outbreaks in the world is increasing. The spread of this disease to Europe and developed countries has sounded the alarm in the world. The purpose of this study is to investigate monkeypox from epidemiological aspects, preparedness and response strategies.

This article is a review type and related information is obtained through searching Persian and English articles based on the main objectives of the study in the scientific databases such as Magiran, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SID and authoritative scientific sites such as CDC and WHO have been searched between 2015 and 2022.

The monkeypox virus is very similar to the smallpox virus. In areas where health resources are limited, Community participation in identifying and reporting disease risks is critical to identifying outbreaks. This is especially true for zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox in people living in remote areas with poor health services. In people who have not been vaccinated against smallpox, Monkeypox has an overall mortality rate of up to 11%. The disease can be transmitted in different ways. In the text of the article, the important aspects of the disease, including transmission methods, signs and symptoms, methods of identification, prevention, control and treatment of monkeypox disease have been discussed.

Considering the global health implications of the monkeypox outbreak, public health systems should be aware of effective strategies to reduce the potential spread of this disease.