Smallpox News and Research

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Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the Orthopox virus family. It is one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. In 1967, the World Health Organization embarked upon an intensified vaccination campaign to eliminate smallpox, which culminated in the successful eradication of the disease globally by 1980.

By the mid-1980s, there were only two known repositories of variola virus: the Institute of Virus Preparations in Russia, and the US CDC. The events in the US in September and October 2001 highlighted the risk that the variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism. Governments around the world are taking precautionary measures to be ready to deal with a potential smallpox outbreak.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories to commence testing for monkeypox using CDC's orthopoxvirus test

Starting today, Mayo Clinic Laboratories will begin testing for monkeypox using CDC's orthopoxvirus test, which detects most non-smallpox related orthopoxviruses, including monkeypox.

13 Jul 2022

What are the biological features, prevention and control strategies against monkeypox?

Researchers elucidated the epidemiology and clinical presentation, biological features, pathogenicity and prevention and control strategies for monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections.

13 Jul 2022

Clinical presentation of monkeypox infection in two Israeli males

Researchers described the symptomatology and clinical manifestations of monkeypox infections among two Israeli patients.

12 Jul 2022

Vaccine and testing delays for monkeypox echo failures in early covid response

Andy Stone is one of the lucky ones. The New York City resident saw a tweet from a local AIDS activist saying that monkeypox vaccines would be available that day at a clinic in Manhattan

8 Jul 2022

What is the monkeypox transmission risk in metropolitan areas?

A new study discusses the possible patterns of spread of monkeypox, and strategies to contain such transmission.

7 Jul 2022

Asymptomatic monkeypox infection detected from routine sexual health samples

A new study reports on the incidence of subclinical monkeypox infection among individuals attending a sexual health clinic in Belgium.

7 Jul 2022

Neuropsychiatric symptoms prevalent in over 50% of monkeypox infections according to new research

Scientists have recently conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the types and prevalence of neurological and psychiatric symptoms associated with monkeypox virus infection in humans.

7 Jul 2022

Vaccination against smallpox efficiently protects against monkeypox infection

In a new study, researchers assessed the existing information regarding monkeypox infections.

6 Jul 2022

Researchers investigate prevention and therapy against monkeypox infection

Researchers reviewed the preventive and therapeutic measures against monkeypox.

4 Jul 2022

The importance of smallpox vaccination as a preventive measure in controlling recent outbreaks of monkeypox

Scientists have described the importance of smallpox vaccination as a preventive measure in controlling recent outbreaks of monkeypox infection.

4 Jul 2022

Findings do not prove that monkeypox infection can occur from contact with surfaces

During the currently evolving outbreak of monkeypox cases outside of known endemic areas, transmission is mainly driven by close physical contact with symptomatic people.

1 Jul 2022

Research examines possibility of monkeypox transmission in domestic settings

In a recent article posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers conducted environmental sampling for an imported monkeypox virus (MPXV) case in the United Kingdom (UK).

30 Jun 2022

What you need to know about monkeypox

The World Health Organization said June 25 that monkeypox wasn't yet a public health emergency of international concern. More than 4,500 cases have been reported worldwide, with more than 300 in the U.S. And with public health officials unable to follow all chains of transmission, they're likely undercounting cases.

29 Jun 2022