Recent advances in the diagnosis monkeypox: implications for public health.

INTRODUCTION

Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic double-stranded DNA poxvirus in the genus Orthopoxvirus, family Poxviridae. Until recently, monkeypox was found primarily in Central and West Africa, where the virus had split into Congo Basin and West African clades.

AREAS COVERED: On 6 May 2022, monkeypox was detected in the United Kingdom and the virus has now been detected in every continent except Antarctica. The current outbreak represents the first documentation of widespread community transmission outside of Africa.

EXPERT OPINION: On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern and issued a series of guidance and recommendations for governments, health professionals and the public. This manuscript reviews what is known about monkeypox virus, with a focus on recent diagnostics and epidemiologic advances, and explores how recent advances in our understanding of the virus will be used to combat the expanding outbreak.