EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MONKEYPOX

Abstract

Introduction: Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis transmitted by the monkeypox virus that belongs to the orthopoxvirus species. The form of transmission occurs initially, between humans through contact with infected animals. Although monkeypox mortality rates are still considered low, the epidemiological aspects of the disease must continue to be constantly updated, being essential for knowledge about transmission, risk factors and clinical manifestations. As a result, it is being a health challenge for Brazil, especially for health, as the SUS is in fragility after facing a public emergency of the Coronavirus. Objective: To update the epidemiological aspects of monkeypox and its public health challenges. Methodology: This is a descriptive study of the integrative literature review type, carried out through a survey of data in the scientific bases LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF. Results and Discussion: According to the studies analyzed, pertinent questions were identified about the current epidemiological profile of monkeypox, as well as its consequences for public health and for low-income countries. In this context, the diagnosis of the disease is already concentrated in more than 96 countries, with 41,500 confirmed cases. Epidemiological assessments indicate that Brazil ranks 27th among the countries with the most confirmed cases, with a percentage of 15.49% per million inhabitants. Regarding the profile of confirmed cases, 98.5% are only male, with an average age of 36 years. In Brazil, in addition to skin rashes, fever is the most common symptom presented by those infected. Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to update the epidemiological aspects of monkeypox and its challenges for public health. This line of research was defined by the fact that there are limitations and gaps in knowledge about the topic in question. Thus, the objective outlined was achieved, allowing to highlight the latest epidemiological updates at a global level.