What is Monkeypox Why You Need to Know About This Rare Virus
                     What is Monkeypox Why You Need to Know About This Rare Virus
Monkeypox is generally an endemic disease 
that spreads in Central Africa, especially in 
countries like the Democratic Republic of 
Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The WHO 
has estimated that thousands of cases occur 
annually in this region. This disease has been 
around for years and is not new.
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What is Monkeypox Why You Need to Know About This Rare Virus
In 1970, the first human case of 
monkeypox was recorded in the 
Democratic Republic of Congo. 
Recently, in May 2022 more than 250 
confirmed and suspected cases of 
monkeypox were reported by 16 
countries. Many are fearing that it may 
create a pandemic-like situation.
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What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is basically a viral zoonosis (a disease 
transmitted from animals to humans). The 
symptoms seem to be quite similar to smallpox but it 
is clinically severe. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 
and monkeypox has emerged as one of the most 
important Orth poxviruses affecting public health. 
The first case of monkeypox was discovered in 1958 
in a group of monkeys kept for research. That is how 
the name began to be used for this viral disease.
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What is Monkeypox?
This disease was primarily affecting people in 
Central and West Asia due to their proximity 
to the tropical rainforests and eventually 
spread to urban areas. The Monkeypox virus 
is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus 
that belongs to the Orthopoxviral genus, 
which is part of the Poxviridae family.
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What is the Natural Host of the Monkeypox Virus?
There are various animal species that have been 
identified as susceptible to being the natural host 
of the monkeypox virus. Some of these animals 
include tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, rope 
squirrels, dormice, non-human primates, African 
rodents, and other species. The natural history of 
the monkeypox virus remains uncertain. Further 
studies are required to get a better idea about the 
emergence and spread of this virus in nature.
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How Do Humans Get Monkeypox?
Monkeypox can spread to a person when they 
come in direct contact with the virus. It can be 
from an animal, a person, contaminated 
materials, etc. The virus usually enters the 
body through broken skin or nose, eyes, and 
mouth. It can also be spread by an animal that 
has been bitten or scratched and having direct 
or indirect contact with body fluids and 
lesions from infected people.
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What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms can usually start 
within 2 weeks of exposure to the virus. The 
initial symptoms may be flu, fever, headache, 
muscle ache, and backache. It can also include 
symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, chills, or 
exhaustion. Within one to three days after 
these symptoms begin, the person develops a 
rash or sores.
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What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
The rash or sores usually start on the face and 
then spread to other areas. It may be located 
on or near the genitals or anus and can also be 
on the other areas like the hands, feet, chest, 
or face. The sores can look like blisters or 
pimples and can be painful or itchy.  
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What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
The sores will eventually become scabs before 
healing. Monkeypox virus can spread from the 
time the person's symptoms start until all the 
sores, including the scabs have healed and a 
fresh layer of skin has been formed. This 
process can take several weeks.  
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Preventive Tips for Monkeypox
According to the CDC (Center for disease 
control), there are several measures that 
can be taken to prevent getting infected 
with the monkeypox virus.
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Preventive Tips for Monkeypox
• Avoid any contact with animals that can 
harbor the virus, including animals that are 
sick or have been found dead in the areas 
where monkeypox may occur.
• Avoid contact with any materials like 
beddings that have been in contact with sick 
people or animals.
• Infected people need to be isolated to avoid 
the spread of the virus.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and 
also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
when in contact with infected animals or 
humans.
• Use a good quality PPE when caring for 
affected patients or animals. 
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