Mpox as a Viral Zoonotic Disease Reemerging in the Current Global Health Context

Authors

Keywords:

Mpox, Orthopoxvirus, zoonosis.

Abstract

Introduction: Mpox is a zoonotic disease also transmitted from person to person by close contact. The current outbreak, up to August 31, 2022, reported 50 496 diagnosed cases from 101 countries; therefore; it was considered a situation of concern by the World Health Organization.

Objective: To present updated information on Mpox in the current health context.

Methods: A scientific literature search was carried out in the databases ScienceDirect, PubMed/Medline, SciELO and Google Scholar, using descriptors or words related to the disease, in order to find reviews, communications, reports, different journal articles, among other specialized documents of scientific production. A total of 30 entirely updated citations were selected.

Development: Since Mpox was identified in humans, outbreaks of the disease have been reported in several countries; the most worrisome has been reported recently in 2022, due to the presence of cases in nonendemic countries, with an extensive geographical scope. The clinical manifestations may occur with mild symptoms, such as rash on the face or the rest of the body, fever, headache, myalgia and fatigue; therefore, it is not a potentially mortal disease. However, in case of comorbidity, the evolution could be torpid.

Conclusions: Mpox cases in humans has been present since its appearance, without any specific treatment or vaccines authorized to be administered, which could generate an increase in contagions and deaths.

Author Biographies

Rolando Rodríguez Puga, Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología de Camagüey. Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Dr. Eduardo Agramonte Piña de Camagüey.

Doctor en Medicina. Especialista de primer grado en Higiene y Epidemiología. Profesor instructor.

Yoánderson Pérez Díaz, Hospital Pediátrico Docente Provincial "Dr. Eduardo Agramonte Piña" de Camagüey.

Doctor en Medicina. Especialista de primer grado en Medicina General Integral y en Higiene y Epidemiología. Profesor instructor.

Norma Estrada Rivero, Hospital Pediátrico Docente Provincial "Dr. Eduardo Agramonte Piña" de Camagüey.

Licenciada en Enfermería. Diplomado de terapia intensiva pediátrica. Profesor asistente.

Nieves Atrio Mouriño, Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología de Camagüey.

Doctora en Medicina. Especialista de segundo grado en Dermatología. Máster en enfermedades infecciosas. Profesor auxiliar.

Published

2023-09-20

Issue

Section

Artículos de Revisión