RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Smallpox and monkeypox: Looking back and looking ahead
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 141
OP 144
DO 10.3949/ccjm.90a.22067
VO 90
IS 3
A1 Sossai, Paolo
A1 Staiti, Domenico
A1 Cannas, Massimiliano
A1 Grima, Piero
YR 2023
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/90/3/141.abstract
AB The monkeypox (mpox) epidemic was declared a global health emergency in July 2022. The mpox virus belongs to the same virus family as the smallpox, or variola virus, but the infection is a less lethal threat than smallpox. Nevertheless, its relationship to smallpox is a worldwide concern, as is the discontinuation of universal smallpox vaccinations since the 1980s. Newer therapies and vaccines are available for both infections, including 2 antiviral drugs that can be used under certain conditions. Two vaccines have been developed for mpox prevention, but clarity is needed on when and how to use them. Preventive public health measures and prioritization of resources for managing infectious disease are concerns.