Monkeypox (Mpox), a virus endemic to Africa, has been reported in countries where this disease is not endemic and has affected over 85,000 people all over the world. It was first described in 1958 among monkeys, some captive for research and showing pox-like symptoms. Since May 13^th, 2022, a high proportion of these cases have been reported from countries without previously documented Mpox transmission.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of monkeypox disease.

Methods

Google Scholar and PubMed were our principal research channels for articles. The keywords used for the literature search were monkeypox virus, symptoms and signs, diagnostic criteria, and treatment modalities. Our inclusion criteria had anything related to Monkeypox Disease, research had to be published between January 1^st, 2023, and March 31^st, 2023. Research that was excluded includes anything in a language other than English and not related to monkeypox.

Results

As of November 28^th, 2022, Monkeypox is officially known as Mpox. The population at risk for this pandemic, as with any other virus, will include immunocompromised individuals, children, and pregnant or lactating women. Because the clinical manifestation is remarkably similar to other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), this virus has been often confused and treated as other known STDs. Symptoms include fever and swollen lymph nodes with a rash presenting a few days later. Transmission of this virus occurs via respiratory droplets if in close contact with an infected person or physical touch. Some of the rare presentations include appendicitis, colitis, partial loss of vision, or eye pain with decreased vision. Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

Conclusion

Limited knowledge is available about this disease, but as the outbreak progresses the scientific community is learning more from it. There are growing concerns about the long-term effect of Mpox on the CNS and subsequent neurological complications. In most cases, once healed, leaving behind scars and in some cases the symptoms, like the vision affected, never return to normal or heals completely.