Background: Historically, epidemics have been accompanied by the concurrent emergence of stigma, prejudice, and xenophobia. This scoping review aimed to describe and map published research targeting ethical values concerning monkeypox (mpox). In addition, it aimed to understand the research gaps related to mpox associated stigma. Methods: We comprehensively searched databases (PubMed Central, PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar) to identify published literature concerning mpox ethical issues and stigma from May 6, 2022, to February 15, 2023. The key search terms used were “monkeypox”, “ethics”, “morals”, “social stigma”, “privacy”, “confidentiality”, “secrecy”, “privilege”, “egoism”, and “metaethics”. This scoping review followed the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley in 2005 and was further improved by the recommendations of Levac et al. in 2010. Results: The search strategies employed in the scoping review yielded a total of 454 articles. We analyzed the sources, types, and topics of the retrieved articles/studies. The authors were able to identify 32 studies that met inclusion criteria. Six of the 32 included studies were primary research. The study revealed that the ongoing mpox outbreak is contending with a notable surge in misinformation and societal stigma. It highlights the adverse impacts of stigma and ethical concerns associated with mpox, which can negatively affect people with the disease. Conclusion: The study’s findings underscore the imperative need to enhance public awareness; involve civil society; and promote collaboration among policymakers, medical communities, and social media platforms. These collective endeavors are crucial for mitigating stigma, averting human-to-human transmission, tackling racism, and dispelling misconceptions associated with the outbreak.

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Background: The accurate estimation of the prevalence of mpox-induced ophthalmic lesions will enable health departments to allocate resources more effectively during the ongoing mpox pandemic. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the global prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations in mpox patients. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in seven databases—Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ProQuest, EBSCOHost, and Cochrane—for studies published on or before 12 December 2022. The pooled prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations was estimated by the random effects model. Risk of bias assessment of the studies and sub-group analysis to explain heterogeneity were undertaken. Results: Overall, 12 studies were included, with 3239 confirmed mpox cases, among which 755 patients reported ophthalmic manifestations. The pooled prevalence of ophthalmic manifestations was 9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 3–24). Studies from Europe reported a very low prevalence of ocular manifestations of 0.98% (95% CI 0.14–2.31), compared to studies from Africa with a substantially higher prevalence of 27.22% (95% CI 13.69–43.26). Conclusions: A wide variation in the prevalence of ocular manifestations among mpox patients was observed globally. Healthcare workers involved in mpox-endemic African countries should be aware of ocular manifestations for early detection and management.

This index meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among individuals with monkeypox (mpox) globally. We searched seven databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ProQuest, EBSCOHost, and Cochrane, for human studies published in English till 4 January 2023, as per International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration protocol (CRD42022383275). A random effects regression model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence owing to high heterogeneity. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment tool. The systematic search yielded 677 articles; finally, 32 studies were found eligible for systematic review and 29 studies for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HIV infection was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35–48). All studies were rated as fair or good quality. Studies from Europe and North America reported a high prevalence of HIV infection among individuals with mpox- 41% (95% CI 33–49) and 52% (95% CI 28–76), respectively, while studies from Nigeria, Africa reported a relatively low prevalence of HIV infection of 21% (95% CI 15–26). A history of sexual orientation and sexual partners in the last 21 days must be taken from individuals with mpox to identify the potential source and contacts for quarantining and testing them.