The outbreak of monkeypox has become a global matter of concern since last year. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus（MPXV）infection，and in addition to the typical symptom of rash，MPXV infection can cause a series of neurological manifestations，with the potential mechanisms of immune-mediated neurological damage after infection and direct invasion of the virus into the nervous system. This article reviews the neurological manifestations of MPXV infection，so as to facilitate the early identification and diagnosis of the neurological complications of MPXV infection and adopt appropriate prevention and treatment measures in a timely manner.
Monkeypox virus

Humans ; Mpox (monkeypox) ; China

In 2022, the outbreak of human monkeypox (HMPX) occurred in many non-endemic countries. World Health Organization (WHO) assesses that this outbreak is "atypical". The history of monkeypox and HMPX must be reviewed to clearly recognize the "typical" outbreaks to fully understand this comment. Therefore, this paper reviews the epidemiological history of monkeypox, especially HMPX, and discusses and analyzes the atypical manifestations and the possible causes of the present outbreak based on the recent views of WHO, other organizations/institutions, and experts. The text describes the thought-provoking history of the interaction between the monkeypox virus and the human being in the past 64 years, and provides various information and views on the outbreak of HMPX, which is helpful to understand risk assessment and the potential impact of this outbreak on clinical and public health in future.
Animals ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Monkeypox/epidemiology* ; Monkeypox virus

Humans ; Monkeypox/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks

Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Monkeypox/epidemiology*

Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Monkeypox/epidemiology*

The World Health Organization declared mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and August 2024. To date, the Philippines has reported 15 confirmed cases. This report described the demographics, clinical presentations, transmission risks, outcome and viral genetic clades of confirmed mpox cases.

Data from six RT-PCR-confirmed cases at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine identified MPXV clade II in five cases and MPXV clade III in one case. The cases involved five cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), three of which were known to be people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and one cisgender female. The median age was 31. Two cases had a history of international travel prior to symptoms.

The cases presented with skin rash (100%), fever (100%), malaise (100%), genital rash (67%), localized lymphadenopathy (16.67%), and headache (16.67%). Skin lesions were umbilicated, presenting as vesicles (100%), papules (83%), or pustules (50%). Secondary bacterial skin infections were reported in two cases. Sequelae included post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. No severe complications or deaths occurred.

Mpox outbreak emphasized the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This report provides insights on mpox’ clinical manifestations, transmission, and outcomes in MSM and PLHIV. Mild disease presentations in HIV patients emphasize the importance of ART adherence in preventing severe complications. Despite the small sample size, this study underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and targeted public health intervention focusing on awareness, safe sexual practices, early diagnosis and treatment.

Humans ; Monkeypox/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks ; Phylogeny

BACKGROUND

Mpox, a zoonotic disease identified in central Africa in 1958, is mainly endemic to the Congo basin and West Africa. Collecting demographic and clinical data is crucial for early recognition and differentiation of skin lesions as the Philippines addresses this public health challenge.

We describe the demographics, clinical profile, and outcomes of suspected and confirmed mpox cases in the Philippines from July to November 2022.

This case series reviewed suspected and confirmed mpox cases at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine from July to November 2022. Clinical data, demographics, and outcomes were collected through retrospective chart reviews and summarized using descriptive statistics.

Fifteen cases were reviewed, including 2 confirmed mpox cases, with an average age of 37.8 years and 80% male. The other symptoms associated with rash at presentation included fever (20%) followed by lymphadenopathy, malaise and chills reported in 1 case each. All patients had pustules and erythematous papules, with 67% showing vesicles. Lesions mainly appeared on the extremities (93%), trunk (60%), and head/neck (47%), evolving into crusts within 1–2 days. Non-confirmed cases were often misdiagnosed as varicella (60%), arthropod bites (20%), or folliculitis (7%).

Young to middle-aged males with travel histories were common in suspected and confirmed mpox cases. Lesions typically included papules and pustules on the extremities, evolving into crusts and erosions within 1–2 days. Confirmed cases had umbilicated papules and fever, while PCR-negative cases were diagnosed with local skin conditions. Testing is vital for timely detection and management, especially since mpox resembles other conditions.

Monkeypox is known to be endemic in Africa, but recently, the unusually increasing number of cases of monkeypox in non-endemic countries has caught the attention of the world. The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. The spread pattern is unlikely associated with the previous outbreak outside of Africa, which is related to travelling or contact with exotic animals. The current outbreak is linked to sexual history and presents with atypical localised genital eruptions with an unpredictable onset of viral prodromal symptoms. Although the monkeypox virus is not easily transmittable compared with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, anyone who has been in close contact with a patient with monkeypox is at risk. Most patients will present to a primary care centre for assessment and treatment; therefore, it is important to increase awareness of the infection among primary care providers for early recognition of monkeypox, containment of the outbreak and prevention of healthcare-associated infection. A physician who suspects any patient with monkeypox should notify local or state health authorities immediately.
Mpox, Monkeypox ; Disease Outbreaks ; Primary Health Care