Human monkeypox preparedness in Latin America – Are we ready for the next viral zoonotic disease outbreak after COVID-19?

Abstract

On May 13, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of two laboratory confirmed cases and one probable case of monkeypox, from the same household, in the United Kingdom. On May 14, 2022, four additional laboratory confirmed cases have been reported amongst Sexual Health Services attendees presenting with a vesicular rash illness in men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on currently available information, infection seems to have been locally acquired in the UK. The extent of local transmission is unclear at this stage and there is the possibility of identification of further cases. Nevertheless, other countries, especially in Europe, but also in North America, and other regions have reported suspected and confirmed cases so far, including recently suspected cases in Argentina and Colombia (Fig. 1). As occurred with COVID-19, travel would be a factor associated with some cases, as also previously reported for monkeypox...