Globally, many monkeypox cases have been reported since its first confirmation in London on May 12, 2021. According to new University of Colorado Boulder research published online in the journal Cell, some characteristics of the present outbreak differed from those of previous monkeypox outbreaks. The researchers pointed out their dilemma regarding this emergence of monkeypox, which can cause another global pandemic similar to smallpox or influenza or be only the re-emergence of a new strain.

The study showed that an obscure family of viruses, already endemic in wild African primates and known to cause fatal Ebola-like symptoms in some monkeys, is "poised for spillover" to humans. The researchers explained that although arteriviruses are already considered a critical threat to macaque monkeys, no human infections have been reported to date. They also added that they are uncertain about the impact that the virus would have on people should it jump species.

The researchers stated that by watching for arteriviruses now in both animals and humans, the global health community could potentially avoid another pandemic. They went on to say that, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its precursor, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian arteriviruses appear to attack immune cells, disabling key defence mechanisms and establishing a long-term presence in the body.

As a result, they suggested that the global health community should prioritize the study of simian arteriviruses, develop blood antibody tests for them, and consider surveillance of human populations with close contact with animal carriers. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/another-monkey-virus-could-be-poised-for-spillover-to-humans/96320106 )