Monkeypox (mpox), a re-emerging disease

Introduction: Monkeypox is a zoonosis endemic to Central and West Africa, first reported in monkeys in 1958. An exploratory search was conducted in the Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and SciELO databases between April and June 2022, including the terms monkeypox and monkeypox virus. A total of 62 scientific articles with different epidemiological designs were selected. Objective: To conduct an updated narrative review on the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of monkeypox. Developing: Monkeypox virus is part of the Poxviridae family and Monkeypox species. Direct or indirect contact with animals generates its transmission, it can be through bites and scratches, that is, the virus enters through non-intact skin. Transmission by close contact with infected humans has also been reported. Skin rash is the predominant sign of this infection, which presents with a morphology described as well-defined and circumscribed, deep lesions, which present central umbilication and which in turn go through a series of stages ranging from macules, papules, vesicles until ending in pustules. Conclusions: Monkeypox is a disease endemic to Central Africa and West Africa; however, in 2022 outbreaks have been described in different parts of the world. Affected patients report contagion by close contact. Confirmation of cases by molecular laboratory tests is recommended. Smallpox vaccination is cross-protective against monkeypox. Its administration can modify and prevent clinical disease.