[Mpox-diagnosis, treatment, immunization, and prognosis].

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is receiving attention worldwide due to outbreaks in various countries since May 2022. On August 14, 2024, based on the increase Mpox infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency. The zoonotic disease is caused by the Mpox virus, an Orthopoxvirus related to other Poxviridae. The virus is transmitted via direct contact with infected bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects and has an incubation time of 5-21 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a characteristic skin rash which progresses from macules, to papules, to vesicles, and to pustules before scabbing over. There are two main genetic clades of Mpox: clade I (Central Africa) and clade II (West Africa), whereby clade IIb was responsible for the 2022 outbreak. Diagnosis is based on PCR testing of skin lesions. Although Mpox may mimic other diseases such as chickenpox or syphilis, lymphadenopathy is a distinguishing feature. Treatment is primarily supportive, although antiviral agents such as tecovirimat and cidofovir have shown a certain efficacy. Vaccination is an important protective measure; MVA-BN and ACAM2000 are among the available vaccines. Prognosis depends on the clade, the access to medical care, and the underlying health status. Immunocompromised persons and children are at a higher risk of a severe course.