While less than 5% of monkeypox patients experience fatal results, the disease is spreading quickly and hospitalizations account for one-third of cases.

The clinical characteristics, hospitalizations, complications, and fatalities linked with the monkeypox outbreak were evaluated by a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Using 5 databases, the clinical characteristics, hospitalizations, complications, and mortality of monkeypox confirmed or suspected cases were examined. Case reports, case series, along with observational studies were incorporated. The pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using a random-effects model meta-analysis. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis that excluded papers with a high risk of bias was conducted, as well as a subgroup analysis based on the continents.

In the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis), only 12 out of 19 articles were used. The most frequent symptoms in 1958 patients were lymphadenopathy (62%), pruritus (65%), fever (72%), and rash (93%). Notably, 35% of the patients were admitted to the hospital and 4% of patients who were hospitalized experienced fatal outcomes (case fatality rate).

Significant cutaneous deterioration is linked to monkeypox virus infection. Thus, the majority of people won't need to be hospitalized. Monkeypox often manifests as a gradual course of fever, similar to other viral infections. Lymphadenopathy is a substantial differentiating characteristic.