Monkeypox Cases

Monkeypox is usually endemic in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Most cases occur sporadically or in the context of localized outbreaks. Cases outside of endemic countries are usually associated with international travel or importation of animals infected with the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

Monkeypox Case Definition

Case definitions can be used for the purpose of monitoring monkeypox outbreaks for rapid identification of clusters and transmission routes. Case definitions commonly used for surveillance include suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of monkeypox. Suspected cases are those with clinical manifestations consistent with one and more symptoms of monkeypox. Probable cases are those with the possibility of exposure to the monkeypox transmission route on a suspected basis. Confirmed cases are individuals with laboratory-confirmed monkeypox infection.

Overview of Monkeypox Cases in Endemic African Countries

In 1970, the first human case was identified in a 9-month-old patient in a remote village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1970, human monkeypox outbreaks and cases have been reported in several African countries. Among them, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria are the most affected countries.

Overview of Monkeypox Cases in Non-Endemic Countries

Cases outside of Africa were first reported in the United States in 2003. Prior to 2022, cases outside of Africa had been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore. The number of cases then increased exponentially in people with no history of travel to endemic areas from 2022 when a case of monkeypox infection from a traveler returning from Nigeria was reported in the United Kingdom.

Monkeypox Cases Study

• Monkeypox case definition: Case definitions are established prior to the start of data collection. Judgment is made by symptomatic signs and information provided by the patient.
• Standardized case report: The study of monkeypox cases first requires the acquisition of demographic, epidemiological, clinical presentation, laboratory and clinical outcome data, as well as data on sexual history, including sexual behavior and the number of sexual partners.
• Laboratory confirmation: Skin lesions, anal and oropharyngeal swabs are generally collected and examined by real-time RT-PCR.

Monkeypox is an emerging disease outside of endemic countries that has rapidly spread to several countries and continents in the last few months. Timely study and analysis of monkeypox cases is essential in the face of new infectious disease challenges. This can help detect significant changes in the route of transmission, mean age, signs/symptoms of clinical presentation, and their evolution.