ADDRESSING MONKEYPOX WORLDWIDE: PREVENTION, VACCINATION, AND CHALLENGES TO CONTROL

Abstract

Monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), was historically confined to Central and West Africa but has now emerged as a significant global public health concern. Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets, as well as via animal-to-human exposure. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease. The 2022 international outbreak, driven by global travel, human–animal interactions, and waning smallpox immunity, marked the virus’s spread beyond endemic regions and posed particular challenges for healthcare systems and professionals.

Preventive measures such as personal hygiene, patient isolation, and the use of protective equipment remain critical. In clinical management, antivirals such as Tecovirimat and smallpox-based vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) are valuable tools. Public health strategies—including contact tracing, quarantine, and early diagnosis—are essential for containment. However, prevention and control efforts are hindered by barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructure, misinformation, stigma, and resource constraints.

Addressing these challenges requires strengthened surveillance systems, targeted vaccination strategies, and coordinated international collaboration. Enhancing these measures will be vital to mitigating the global impact of monkeypox outbreaks.