Although media attention has decreased, monkeypox remains a public health concern. In fact, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) as of May 31, 2025, nearly 25,000 cases have been reported this year across 75 countries.
These figures remind us that the virus is still active, making continued surveillance, rapid diagnostic tools, and effective control measures essential.
What Is Monkeypox and Why Does It Matter?
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that spreads from animals to humans, known as a zoonotic disease. It’s caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
Animal bites or scratches, as well as direct exposure to the bodily fluids of infected animals, are believed to be the main routes of animal-to-human transmission.
The name “monkeypox” comes from its initial discovery in monkeys, but the main animal reservoirs are actually small rodents.
The first human case was identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred, mostly in Central and West African countries. In July 2022, WHO declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its global spread.
There are two major genetic groups of the virus: Clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and Clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). The 2022–2023 global outbreak was caused by a Clade IIb strain, which is still active, especially in parts of Africa. More recently, cases linked to Clade Ia and Ib have also been rising, even outside of Africa, as seen in August 2024, when Clade Ib was detected beyond the continent.
How Is Monkeypox Transmitted?
Mpox is primarily spread through direct, close, and prolonged contact with an infected person, whether through skin-to-skin contact or close-range conversation or breathing.
It can also be transmitted via contaminated objects, like clothing, bed linens, or utensils, and from mother to baby during pregnancy. Additionally, eating undercooked animal products may increase infection risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
Symptoms usually begin around a week after exposure but may take up to 21 days to appear. Most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks, though in individuals with weaker immune systems, the illness can last longer.
Common symptoms include:
- Skin rash (often starting on the face and spreading to hands, feet, and other parts of the body)
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle and back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
In some cases, the rash is the first sign; in others, fever or body aches appear first.
How Is Monkeypox Diagnosed?
Diagnosing mpox can be challenging, as its symptoms may resemble those of other illnesses such as varicella, measles, or bacterial skin infections.
The most reliable method is real time PCR, which detects the viral DNA with high accuracy.
How Can We Help?
At VIASURE, we’ve developed the Viasure Monkeypox Virus Real Time PCR Detection Kit, a reliable, highly sensitive, and specific solution for detecting both circulating clades of the virus.
With this kit, we support fast and accurate diagnosis—an essential tool for improving early response to a disease that, while less talked about today, is still very much present.
