Monkeypox infection is a viral zoonotic (animal to human transmission) disease caused by the monkeypox virus which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus of viruses, which is the family of viruses that includes smallpox (variola virus).
The monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 in monkeys in Africa, which is how the name was derived, and the first case in people was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the smallpox eradication efforts. Since the 1990s the number of monkeypox cases has steadily increased as detection has improved, global travel has increased the spread of diseases, children are no longer being vaccinated for smallpox, and adults experience waning immunity over time.
As of May 24, 2022, there is currently an outbreak of Monkeypox with 92 confirmed and 28 suspected cases reported in 12 countries including the regions of North America, Europe, and Australia. Approximately 1/3 of infected people required hospitalization, suggesting there are more cases where people have milder symptoms and have not sought medical care.
The monkeypox virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes. The virus is not believed to be easily passed from person to person since a large dose of the virus is believed to be needed to cause the transmission to another person.
Viruses are commonly divided into two groups: enveloped and non-enveloped. Non-enveloped viruses are far more difficult to eradicate than enveloped viruses.
The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) standard EN14476 defines viruses that are considered the most resistant strains and a pass against these strains is considered to cover the less resistant strains within the viral category, most notably the enveloped viruses.
As the monkeypox virus is a large enveloped virus, it is highly susceptible to alcohol-based hand rubs (at least 60% alcohol) and disinfectants carrying the EN 14476 against the enveloped virus. The reference organism according to the EN 14476 is the Vaccinia virus.
Although the role of surfaces in the transmission of the Monkeypox virus remains unclear, Diversey has tested its disinfectant products against the EN 14476 Vaccinia virus (which covers Monkeypox), such as its Oxivir product range based on accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) which can provide enhanced disinfection.
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