Monkeypox

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the Monkeypox virus (MPX) and monkeypox. Bibliographic review: Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the MPX virus that results in a disease similar to smallpox and has recently had a worldwide outbreak. Its transmission can occur from animals to humans and between humans through contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals, skin or genital organ lesions, prolonged face-to-face contact, sexual and placental transmission. The MPX infection process is divided into two phases: the prodromal phase with fever, fatigue, severe headache, lymphadenopathy, muscle pain and the rash phase. Final considerations: Monkeypox appears at a fragile time after the coronavirus pandemic, and despite its lower viral load and low lethality, its control is essential, mainly through contact prevention. The disease is treated through supportive measures and in severe cases or with progression to severity, smallpox antiviruses such as tecovirimat, cidofovir or brincidofovir can be used. Vaccination with smallpox vaccines should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.