Letter to the Editor: Emerging Global Threat of Monkeypox: Urgent Call for Action and Awareness for Anesthesiologists

To the Editor:

We are writing to draw attention to the escalating global health crisis posed by the monkeypox virus, which has recently been declared an emergent situation by the World Health Organization (WHO). Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease from the Poxviridae family, was predominantly observed in the Western and Central regions of Africa. ¹ However, in 2022, cases of monkeypox were reported from several countries worldwide. This led the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022. Although the number of cases declined after April 2023, leading to the termination of this emergency status in May 2023, a recent resurgence of cases has once again raised global concerns.

On August 15, 2024, Sweden became the first country outside Africa to report new cases of monkeypox. In response, the WHO’s Director-General declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years. This decision was driven by a substantial increase in new and concerning cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several neighboring countries. ² As healthcare professionals, we are now confronted with the critical need to reassess our preparedness and response strategies in the face of this evolving threat.

Two years ago, we conducted a national survey study ³ titled “Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitudes of Anesthesiology Specialists and Residents Toward Patients Infected with the Monkeypox Disease.” The primary aim of our study was to assess the awareness and preparedness of anesthesiology specialists and residents concerning monkeypox. Our research, conducted when the virus was mainly confined to its endemic regions in Africa, revealed a substantial gap in knowledge among anesthesiology professionals, despite their high risk of exposure because of the potential for respiratory transmission of the virus. Our findings indicated that although there was a commendable level of agreement with the recommended peri-operative safety measures, the overall knowledge of the disease among anesthesiology specialists and residents was insufficient.

Given the WHO’s recent declaration, it is imperative that we revisit the conclusions of our study. There is an urgent need for enhanced education and training within the field of anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists, because of the nature of their work, are at high risk, especially considering the potential for respiratory transmission of the virus. The impact of monkeypox on peri-operative care cannot be understated. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and guidelines to mitigate the risk of transmission and ensure patient safety.

In conclusion, the increasing number of monkeypox cases worldwide underscores the necessity for systematic strategies at both regional and international levels. By advancing the knowledge base of anesthesiology professionals, we can better protect healthcare workers and patients alike, thereby contributing to the global effort to contain the spread of this virus.