What is Monkeypox?; Check Symptoms, Cause and Treatment
Monkeypox: Here is everything you need to know about it.
New Delhi: Monkeypox is one of the rarest smallpox-like disease that occurs primarily in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa.
Monkeypox disease can spread from one individual to another, however it is not as contagious as smallpox.
How is Monkeypox caused?
Monkeypox is caused by Monkeypox virus, belonging to the orthopoxvirus group of viruses.
While the Other members of this group of virus is responsible for causing infections in humans such as variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used for smallpox vaccine), and cowpox viruses.
How was Monkeypox discovered?
It is believed that Monkeypox disease was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The evidence was found in studies of animals in Africa, later the evidence of orthopoxvirus infectionwas found in a number of African rodents. It is said that the monkeypox virus been isolated from an African tree squirrel, which may be the natural host.
Whom can Monkeypox infect?
According to the studies in the laboratory, it showed that Monkeypox could infect rabbits, mice and rats.
When was it reported in humans?
It was only in 1970 that the first case of Monkeypox was reported in humans. Later in June 2003, monkeypox was reported in prairie dogs and humans in the United States.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Feeling discomfort, and exhaustion.
- After few days papular rash (i.e raised bumps) can be seen on the body
Longevity of Monkeypox?
Basically the Monkeypox typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Treatment of Monkeypox?
So far there is no treatment for available for monkeypox. However, it is said that the vaccine for Smallpox has reportedly reduced the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa.