Statement from the Author:
"Historical and Epidemiological Analyses on the Impact of Infectious Disease on Society was written to provide context to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now may help provide context to the spread of the monkeypox virus. Apparent exponential growth in monkeypox cases, suggested by case counts in Africa rising since the 1970s, has recently expanded worldwide. The outbreak risks raising stigmatization because it currently appears to be spreading in the population outside of Africa largely among men who have sex with men. The impact of monkeypox may vary around the globe. However, much recent literature emphasizes that cases at the forefront of the current outbreak are generally mild. A characteristic symptom is rash, but fever, chills, and lymphadenopathy may also be present. Smallpox vaccines have efficacy against monkeypox, via genetic similarities in the underlying pathogens, while antivirals and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous are indicated as treatments in the course of more significant cases. Because monkeypox is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, its mutation rate is expected to be low compared to the single-stranded COVID-19 RNA virus. How the outbreak will resolve is yet unknown, and its progression is linked to social and biological factors that have influenced disease impact throughout history.”
– Prof. Edward Greenberg, Cigna, USA
"The impact of COVID-19 may feel unprecedented, but, in reality, it has historical precedent. Research suggests that genetic lineages of the flu associated with the 1918 pandemic have been key players in the gene pool of Type A influenza impacting us today, one example of how the knowledge of the past can help us manage current health concerns and anticipate those in the future."
– Prof. Edward Greenberg, Cigna, USA