Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
Human Monkeypox
Andrea M. McCollum # and Inger K. Damon #
Author Affiliations: Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Corresponding author: Andrea M. McCollum: CDC, 1600 Clifton Road MS A-30, Atlanta, GA 30333; 404-639-4164, amccollum@cdc.gov
# The author has no conflict of interest.
Abstract
Human monkeypox is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus with a presentation similar to smallpox. Clinical differentiation from smallpox and varicella is difficult. Laboratory diagnostics are principal components to identification and surveillance of disease, and new tests are needed for a more precise and rapid diagnosis. The majority of human infections occur in central Africa, where surveillance in rural areas with poor infrastructure is difficult but can be accomplished with evidence-guided tools and educational materials to inform public health workers of important principles. Contemporary epidemiological studies are needed now that populations do not receive routine smallpox vaccination. New therapeutics and vaccines offer hope for the treatment and prevention of monkeypox; however, more research must be done before they are ready to be deployed in an endemic setting. There is a need for more research in the epidemiology, ecology, and biology of the virus in endemic areas to better understand and prevent human infections.
Received March 15, 2013. Accepted October 18, 2013.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2013.
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Human Monkeypox
Andrea M. McCollum # and Inger K. Damon #
Author Affiliations: Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Corresponding author: Andrea M. McCollum: CDC, 1600 Clifton Road MS A-30, Atlanta, GA 30333; 404-639-4164, amccollum@cdc.gov
# The author has no conflict of interest.
Abstract
Human monkeypox is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus with a presentation similar to smallpox. Clinical differentiation from smallpox and varicella is difficult. Laboratory diagnostics are principal components to identification and surveillance of disease, and new tests are needed for a more precise and rapid diagnosis. The majority of human infections occur in central Africa, where surveillance in rural areas with poor infrastructure is difficult but can be accomplished with evidence-guided tools and educational materials to inform public health workers of important principles. Contemporary epidemiological studies are needed now that populations do not receive routine smallpox vaccination. New therapeutics and vaccines offer hope for the treatment and prevention of monkeypox; however, more research must be done before they are ready to be deployed in an endemic setting. There is a need for more research in the epidemiology, ecology, and biology of the virus in endemic areas to better understand and prevent human infections.
Received March 15, 2013. Accepted October 18, 2013.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2013.
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