What we need to know about monkeypox, History and facts

Monkeypox is a rare but serious viral illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans and from person to person. The virus is related to smallpox, but it is much less severe.

History of monkeypox

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 in a colony of monkeys kept for research in Copenhagen, Denmark. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in other parts of Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo.

Facts about monkeypox

• Monkeypox is caused by a virus that belongs to the orthopoxvirus family.
• The virus is transmitted from animals to humans through contact with the blood, body fluids, or scabs of an infected animal.
• The virus can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with respiratory droplets, contact with bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated materials.
• The incubation period for monkeypox is usually 7 to 14 days, but it can range from 5 to 21 days.
• The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but they are usually milder. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, respiratory symptoms, and a rash.
• The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash can look like pimples or blisters.
• Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting illness, but it can be serious in some people, especially those with weakened immune systems.
• There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care can help to relieve symptoms.
• There is a vaccine for smallpox that can also be effective against monkeypox.

What we need to know about the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

A large monkeypox outbreak began in May 2022 in several countries that are not endemic for the virus. As of August 2023, over 15,000 cases have been reported in over 70 countries.

The cause of the outbreak is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be related to international travel. The outbreak is mostly affecting men who have sex with men, but it can also affect anyone who comes into close contact with an infected person.

The symptoms of monkeypox are usually mild, but the virus can be serious in some people. There have been a few deaths from monkeypox in the 2022 outbreak, but most people recover without any complications.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care can help to relieve symptoms. There is a vaccine for smallpox that can also be effective against monkeypox, but it is not widely available.

How to protect yourself from monkeypox

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from monkeypox:

• Avoid contact with animals that may be infected with monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with people who are infected with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, seek medical attention immediately.

The monkeypox outbreak is a serious public health threat, but it is important to remember that the virus is not easily spread. By taking precautions to protect yourself, you can help to reduce your risk of infection.

Health and Household