A new medical review pulls together what we know about mpox (formerly “monkeypox”)—and the practical steps that slow its spread.

Why this matters

The World Health Organization has classified the recent surge in mpox across parts of Africa as a public health emergency of international concern, and Africa CDC has issued a continent‑wide emergency declaration. The authors of a new review argue that faster detection, targeted vaccination, and better access to antivirals will be key to containing future waves.  

How mpox spreads—and who’s at higher risk

Mpox is caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), a relative of the smallpox virus. It spreads through close contact with infectious skin or mucosal lesions (including oral and genital), as well as contact with contaminated materials; animal‑to‑human transmission can occur via bites, scratches, or handling bushmeat. People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women, and those with a history of eczema are more likely to develop severe illness.  

Symptoms to watch

Fever and swollen lymph nodes (a useful clue that helps distinguish mpox from chickenpox) can precede a rash that evolves from flat sores to fluid‑filled blisters and then crusts over. Lesions can appear on the face, mouth, genitals, anus, palms, and soles; some people may have only a few spots, others hundreds. If you’ve had a possible exposure, monitor for symptoms for 21 days and seek care if a rash develops.  

The recommended test

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing that detects viral DNA is the gold standard. The best samples are vigorous swabs from skin lesions (fluid or crust), though oropharyngeal or rectal swabs can be used if no skin lesions are present. Clinicians should also rule out look‑alike conditions such as herpes, syphilis, scabies, and drug eruptions.  

Vaccines and antivirals—what’s in the toolbox now

There is no single “curative” drug, so supportive care remains first‑line. However, several tools are available during outbreaks: the MVA‑BN (marketed as JYNNEOS/Imvamune) and ACAM2000 smallpox vaccines have been authorized for mpox outbreak use in various regions, while the antivirals tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir—originally developed against related orthopoxviruses—were deployed during the 2022 outbreak. The review highlights a practical pathway graphic for clinicians that weighs comorbidities and symptom severity when choosing isolation, vaccination, antivirals, and symptom relief.

The big challenges

Access—not science—is now the main bottleneck. The authors flag limited public awareness, patchy laboratory capacity, and uneven availability of vaccines and antivirals as barriers that slow diagnosis and treatment. They urge WHO and national programs to prioritize early detection, careful use of antivirals, and focused vaccination for high‑risk groups, alongside community education and strong health policies.  

What readers can do

Public‑health basics still work: isolate if infected or suspected; protect skin and mucous membranes; cover lesions; avoid contact with wild animals and bushmeat; and follow local guidance on vaccination if you are in (or traveling to) an affected area or belong to a higher‑risk group.  

Bottom line

Mpox remains a preventable, diagnosable, and manageable infection—provided people can access testing, vaccines, and care quickly. The review’s message is clear: targeted vaccination, faster PCR testing, and timely antivirals, paired with community education, will save lives and curb spread.  

Source: Tsige AW, Ayele SG. “Monkeypox: Prevention Strategies and Challenges: Updated Review,” Health Science Reports (2025).  

Editor’s note: This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.