Monkeypox in children: what evidence do we have so far?

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPX) is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxviral genera of the Poxviridae family, which is endemic in Central and West Africa. MPX appeared in 1970, since eradication of smallpox. Apparently, smallpox provides a significant cross-protection (>85%) with monkeypox, but probably most important in individuals with recent vaccination (<10 years). It has been suggested that older population (>60 years), vaccinated with smallpox would be partially protected. Nevertheless, this needs further careful assessment. Animal-to-human transmission (zoonotic infection) can occur through contact with blood, body fluids and skin lesions of infected animals such as arboreal and terrestrial rodents (which include squirrels). Long-term exposure to MPX results in human-to-human transmission through droplet infection, contact with an infected lesion or a contaminated object [1].