The Impact of Monkeypox on Public Health: Challenges and Control Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Monkeypox is an emerging viral zoonosis caused by the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Originally limited to endemic regions of Central and West Africa, the pathology has reached international prominence following outbreaks on several continents, highlighting its capacity for global dissemination. With symptoms similar to those of human smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980, Monkeypox is a continuing concern for public health systems. Objective: To report on the impact of monkeypox on public health, highlighting the challenges faced and the strategies used to control and eradicate it. Methodology: The study was developed from a bibliographic research of the RIL type, using the databases of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), which provided bibliographic material on the subject in question, were determined as inclusion criteria: articles available in full in the period from 2020 to 2025 and written. Results: This study allowed a detailed analysis of the impact of monkeypox on public health, highlighting the challenges experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and control of the disease, such as lack of adequate surveillance, inequality in the global distribution of vaccines, complex diagnosis due to the similarity with other pathologies, late and unequal responses, limited access to treatment and clinical support, stigma, lack of knowledge among health professionals. Conclusion: Some strategies can contain the spread of mpox, such as increasing vaccine production in high-risk countries, strengthening active surveillance, developing and diagnosing effective antivirals, investing in health education, community communication and introducing integrated public policies.