Dorna Rafighi
1 
, Sina Samenezhad
2 , Ali Khodadadeh Jigheh
3* 1 Department of Microbiology, Sciences and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Urology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Microbiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Monkeypox (MPX) has become a global public health problem. This zoonotic viral disease, characterized by rash, lymphadenopathy, and fever, used to be restricted to Central and West Africa. However, recent outbreaks have increased its global reach. This study examined the problems and opportunities for MPX control. Articles published from 2013 to 2023 were included in this investigation while excluding the ones that were unavailable in the general library or were only available in conference abstract form. MPX is transmitted through close contact with infected animals. Medically proven, it can be tested with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nonetheless, there is no specific treatment for this type of disease. Only supportive measures can be taken in this regard, and smallpox vaccination offers some protection against MPX. Accordingly, international financial support should be allocated to studies on this disease in order to develop safer vaccines, take more holistic health approaches to prevent human-to-human transmission, and put suitable surveillance systems in place.