Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 after two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease in research monkey colonies, hence the name “monkeypox”. In 1970 the first human case of monkeypox was reported. Efforts to eradicate smallpox have intensified ever since. Cases of monkeypox in humans have been reported in other countries in Central and West Africa.
How common is monkeypox in the US?
According to the CDC, the US now has one confirmed and four suspected cases of monkeypox virus, a rare disease related to smallpox. There are two types of virus: one from Central Africa and one from West Africa which is less serious.
When was the last case of monkeypox in the United States?
While most cases generally occur within Africa, previous outbreaks have appeared in Israel, the United States, and Singapore. The most recent outbreak in the United States was in 2003, with 47 cases.
The first human cases of monkeypox were discovered in the US, involving two people who traveled to Nigeria in 2021. There were also 47 confirmed and probable cases found in the US in 2003. According to the CDC, these were related to animals imported from Ghana
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms can develop five to 21 days after someone is infected it takes two to four weeks to get recover from infection
The illness usually begins with flu-like symptoms which may last a day or two, such as
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- tiredness
- swollen and painful lymph nodes
The rash often progresses from red areas to small bumps on the skin one to three days after the fever. They can then turn into blisters that can fill with white fluid.
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The rash sometimes resembles chickenpox, syphilis, or ringworm. WHO officials said it usually spreads from the face to the extremities, hands, feet, and then to the rest of the body.
“We are seeing more cases in which the rash begins in the genital area, which is not new, it has always been there, but now it is more frequent and sometimes it stays there,” said Dr. Rosamund Lewis, chief of the smallpox secretariat at WHO.
She said this can make the rash less visible.
Is MonkeyPox Curable?
Currently, there are no specific or proven treatments available for virus infection, but monkeypox infection can be controlled by taking a few prevention measures. The smallpox vaccine, cidofovir, ST-246, and vaccinia immunoglobulin (VIG), can be used to control monkeypox outbreaks.
What are various Preventive measures for MonkeyPox Virus?
The smallpox vaccine may provide protection against this virus, but its use is currently limited to people who work in a laboratory with the smallpox virus. Prevention depends on minimizing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. You can prevent the monkeypox virus by:
- Avoid getting into direct contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals).
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
- Avoid making direct contact with bedding and other material contaminated with the virus.
- Avoid coming into contact with people who may be infected with this virus.
- After getting into contact with an infected animal wash your hands with soap and water.
- Be careful while cooking all foods that contain meat or animal parts.
