Monkeypox in the 21st century: Insights into its pathogenesis and public health implications

Monkeypox, a zoonotic illness caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), is a re-emerging disease that has resurfaced as a prominent global public health issue in the 21st century. The 2022 outbreak, previously limited to Central and West Africa, exhibited extraordinary global dissemination, prompting critical inquiries over the virus's transmission mechanisms and containment strategies. This paper analyzes monkeypox's pathophysiology, epidemiological trends, and public health ramifications, emphasizing diagnostic difficulties, underreporting, and the inequitable access to vaccines and therapies. The discussion encompasses the significance of genomic surveillance, One Health strategies, and the necessity for research on effective antivirals and vaccines. Substantial knowledge deficiencies, encompassing virus mutation hazards and a restricted comprehension of animal reservoirs, impede preventative initiatives. Mitigating future epidemics necessitates addressing these problems through improved diagnoses, equitable vaccination distribution, and enhanced surveillance. This paper examines the present status of Monkeypox research and delineates prospective directions to inform global public health policies.