2022-2023 monkeypox outbreak in Asia

Overview of the 2022-2023 monkeypox outbreak in Asia

2022-2023 monkeypox outbreak in Asia

Disease	[[Monkeypox|Monkeypox]]
Virus strain	[[Monkeypox virus|Monkeypox virus]]
First case
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date
Confirmed cases
Suspected cases
Recovered
Deaths
Territories

The 2022-2023 monkeypox outbreak in Asia refers to the spread of the monkeypox virus across several countries in the Asian continent during the years 2022 and 2023. This outbreak is part of a larger global resurgence of monkeypox cases that began in 2022.

Background

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. The disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys kept for research, and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Epidemiology

The outbreak in Asia began in 2022, with initial cases reported in countries such as India, Thailand, and Singapore. The spread of the virus in Asia has been attributed to increased international travel and trade, as well as the movement of infected individuals across borders.

Transmission

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, or lesions of an infected person, and indirect contact with contaminated materials such as bedding.

Clinical Features

The clinical presentation of monkeypox is similar to that of smallpox, but with a milder rash and lower mortality rate. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally crusts.

Public Health Response

Countries in Asia have implemented various public health measures to control the outbreak, including surveillance, contact tracing, isolation of confirmed cases, and vaccination campaigns using the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against monkeypox.

Impact

The outbreak has had significant impacts on public health systems in Asia, straining resources and highlighting the need for improved surveillance and response capabilities. It has also raised awareness about the potential for zoonotic diseases to cause widespread outbreaks.

Also see

• Monkeypox
• 2022-2023 monkeypox outbreak
• Zoonotic diseases
• Public health