Monkeypox Disease: History, Epidemiology, Threat Assessment, and Management Strategies

Infection with the monkeypox virus is more prevalent among genus Funisciurus squirrels, less prevalent among genus Heliosurus squirrels, and rare among forest monkeys. These squirrels inhabit secondary woods close to human settlements in rural Zaire, particularly where oil palm is cultivated. In Prime Rain Forest, they are in short supply. The monkeypox virus often affects children between the ages of 5 and 9, particularly in rural settings where children hunt and consume squirrels and other small animals. Animal husbandry will minimize the danger and occurrence of human monkeypox, even in areas where the virus has spread to squirrels, as the human population grows and relies primarily on animals for animal protein. Population expansion and economic development in West and Central Africa may lessen the danger of monkeypox infection in people, but visitors who interact with animals should be vaccinated against smallpox. The spread of monkeypox can be stopped by measures such as post-exposure vaccination, contact tracing, case identification, and isolation of infectious patients. The recent monkeypox incidence is of further concern in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.