Understanding the Epidemiology of Monkeypox Virus to Prevent Future Outbreaks
Author Information
Author(s): Velásquez Jimmy Steven, Herrera-Echeverría Fabiola Beatriz, Porres-Paredes Héctor Salvador, Rodríguez-Cerdeira Carmen, d’Arminio Monforte Antonella
Primary Institution: Dermatology Department, Hospital Regional de Occidente San Juan de Dios, Guatemala
Hypothesis
This study aims to describe the Mpox outbreak in Guatemala to obtain statistics to quickly recognize and address this entity.
Conclusion
The transmission dynamics of Mpox during the current outbreak were highly consistent with sexually transmitted infections.
Supporting Evidence
- 99% of included patients were men, with 82% aged 20-39 years.
- 71% were men who had sex with men, and 34% were HIV carriers.
- All patients presented with systemic symptoms.
- Five patients required hospital admission, one of whom died.
Takeaway
Monkeypox is spreading quickly, especially among men who have sex with men, and understanding how it spreads can help prevent future outbreaks.
Methodology
This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with Mpox confirmed by PCR from July 2022 to April 2023.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-probabilistic sampling and reliance on self-reported sexual orientation.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and relies on existing databases, which may have incomplete data.
Participant Demographics
99% of participants were men, with 82% aged 20-39 years, and 34% were HIV carriers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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