Assessing the knowledge of smallpox and monkeypox virus among the University of Tlemcen members in the wake of COVID-19: a 2023 cross-sectional study

Background: A recently-surfaced virus called Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has gained widespread attention as it dominates the news, creating a sense of panic among people due to the potential threat it poses to their health. Materials and Methods: To evaluate knowledge about this virus and its disease, and to raise consciousness among the members of the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth and Universe Sciences at the University of Tlemcen, we launched an online web-based survey for a twenty days 'period that contained sociodemographic and perceptiveness questions about the emergent virus, its disease, and vaccination. Results: Our findings showed that the majority of the respondents of our study have a satisfactory level of knowledge about this emerging virus and its disease. Moreover, most participants showed a positive attitude towards the vaccine, considering it the best preventive means to fight against Monkeypox disease. Conclusion: Although the MPXV may not become a pandemic, but knowing the various ways that contribute to itsspread is essential to avoid any possibility of a new one, especially in Algeria.

Características de los primeros casos reportados como sospechosos de Monkeypox en el Perú / Characteristics of the first cases reported as suspected Monkeypox in Peru

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de 9 pacientes reportados en el contexto de la alerta sanitaria por el aumento de casos de infección por el virus de Monkeypox en el mundo en países no endémicos. Es importante conocer de forma práctica los criterios epidemiológicos y clínicos más importantes para el descarte de viruela símica en el actual contexto de trasmisión en el Perú. Se discute los criterios de los casos confirmados respecto a otras enfermedades que son parte del diagnóstico diferencial como varicela, síndrome mano pie boca, entre otros.

ABSTRACT The case of 9 patients reported in the context of the health alert due to the increase in cases of Monkeypox virus infection in the world in non-endemic countries is presented. It is important to know in a practical way the most important epidemiological and clinical criteria that make us think about ruling out Monkeypox in the current context of transmission in Peru. The characteristics of the confirmed cases are discussed versus those of other diseases that are part of the differential diagnosis such as chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth syndrome, etc.