Human monkeypox cases are rising and affecting older age groups
In short: A systematic review of literature on monkeypox found that the disease has seen a steady rise in human cases since the 1970s. While it was historically concentrated in parts of Africa, the virus has increasingly spread to other regions. Notably, the median age of people presenting with the disease has shifted significantly, moving from young children to young adults.
The researchers analyzed 48 peer-reviewed articles and 18 grey literature sources to track changes in mortality, geography, and demographics. They observed that while the overall case fatality rate was 8.7%, mortality was higher in Central African clades compared to West African ones.
The study suggests these trends might be linked to the end of smallpox vaccinations, which previously offered some cross-protection against monkeypox. A limitation of this research is that it relies on a review of existing literature rather than new primary data collection.
Why it matters: The changing demographics and spread of monkeypox highlight the need for better global surveillance as the disease evolves.
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