Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is in the same family as the smallpox virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but are milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in monkeys. Although it is known as "monkey smallpox," the origin of the disease is unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) can harbor the virus and infect humans.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, human monkeypox is reporting in several countries in Central and West Africa. In the past, virtually all cases of monkeypox in people outside Africa has been link to international travel to countries where the disease is common or to imported animals. These cases have occurred on several continents.
Signs and symptoms of monkeypox
Symptoms of monkeypox may include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and back pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that may look like boils or blisters appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, breasts, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before it heals completely. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others just get a rash.
Monkeypox can spread in different ways. The virus can be spread from person to person by: direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids can infect respiratory secretions through prolonged face-to-face contact or through intimate contact, such as kissing, hugging, or touching objects (such as clothing or bedding) that have touched a contagious rash or bodily fluids.
Pregnant women can transmission the virus to the fetus through the placenta, being scratched or bitten by an animal or while preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms appear until the rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks. People who do not have symptoms of monkeypox cannot pass the virus on to others. At this time, it is not known whether monkeypox can spread through semen or secretions.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
Treatment of monkeypox virus infection.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection. However, monkeypox virus and smallpox are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat smallpox.
Antiviral drugs, such as tecovirimat, may be recommended for people who are more likely to become seriously ill, such as patients with weakened immune systems.
Monkeypox can sometimes be deadly, especially in poor, inadequate health care settings. Monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same virus class. They share cross-immunity, meaning that protection against one provides protection against the other. In particular, vaccines developed to protect against smallpox protect against monkeypox.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should tell your healthcare provider, even if you don't think you have been exposing to someone with monkeypox
👍
You must be logged in to post a comment.