Monkeypox-specimen collection and transport

Abstract

The monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus (1). The main reservoir of poxviruses is the rabbits and non-human primates. Monkeypox causes a smallpox-like illness in humans and can occasionally be transmitted to humans, enabling the incidence of human-to-human transmission (2). 

Although endemic in regions of Africa, there have been a few outbreaks in the United States of America in 2003 and a new world outbreak in 2022.

Most patients' symptoms begin with prodromal sickness with fever, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes before developing a rash. Individuals may also experience secondary skin and/or soft tissue infection, pneumonitis, ocular problems, and encephalitis. 

On 23rd July 2022, the World Health Organization declared the international monkeypox outbreak a global emergency, the highest level of alert the WHO can issue (3). This declaration raises public concern about the new pandemic, and because the monkeypox outbreak coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is concern about the severity and mortality of monkeypox cases. 

To prevent this outbreak from spreading, testing needs to be augmented, and stringent isolation measures must be put in use. 

This comprehensive document emphasizes the practice points involving sample collection, transport, and processing for the monkeypox virus. (4)