Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The monkeypox virus is closely related to the human smallpox virus, but it is less virulent in humans.
The first recorded outbreak of monkeypox occurred in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The first human case was reported in 1970 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). The majority of human cases have been reported from Africa, but outbreaks have also occurred in Brazil and India.
The incubation period for monkeypox is about 7-14 days. The initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. A few days later, a rash develops on the face and body that progresses to raised bumps filled with fluid (pustules). The rash eventually spreads to all parts of the body including mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and throat. In some cases,monkeypox can be fatal, particularly in young children and people with weak immune systems. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox and no vaccine available for prevention.
When infected monkeys are present in an area where human populations live nearby, there is potential for cross-species transmission to occur. This has been documented on several occasions including during outbreaks in Zaire/Congo and Nigeria. Person-to-person transmission can also occur via close contact with respiratory secretions or lesions from someone who is sick with monkeypox. Once introduced into a community through an infected animal or person, the virus can spread quickly through close personal contact due largely to lack of awareness about how it’s transmitted and lack of access to prompt medical care.