Mpox
Introduction Mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic infection that results in a rash similar to that of smallpox. However, historically, person-to-person spread outside the household and mortality from mpox are significantly less than for smallpox. Clinically, these 2 viral infections are difficult to distinguish. The virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae (other family member includes variola - causative agent of smallpox). It was first isolated in 1958 from a colony of sick monkeys. NOTE: Any case represents a public health emergency and suspicion of smallpox warrants immediate contact of local health departments. Transmission The virus can be acquired through contact with an infected animal's bodily fluids or through a bite . It can also be acquired through preparation of bushmeat (raw or minimally processed meat that comes from wild animals in certain regions of the world, including Africa). Monkeys and humans are incidental h...