Monkeypox

Monkeypox is characterized by an initial febrile prodrome and a centrifugally distributed maculopapular rash developing often on the palms of hands and soles of feet. The presentation is similar to smallpox in humans with additional distinguishing symptom of lymphadenopathy. Monkeypox and smallpox viruses belong to the same family, Variola virus. The WHO declared it as a global health emergency on 23 July 2022. From 1 January through 22 August 2022, 41,664 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox and 12 deaths have been reported to the WHO from 96 countries/territories/areas in all six WHO regions. A total of nine laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox and one death were reported in India by 22 August 2022 ( https://www.who.int/emergencies/situation-reports ).