Monkeypox
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox
is a rare smallpox-like disease that occurs primarily in the rain forest
countries of central and west Africa. The disease was discovered in
laboratory monkeys in 1958. Studies of animals in Africa later found
evidence of orthopoxvirus infection in a number of African rodents. The
virus has been isolated from an African tree squirrel, which may be the
natural host. Laboratory studies showed that monkeypox also could infect
mice, rats, and rabbits. In 1970, monkeypox was reported in humans for the
first time. In June 2003, monkeypox was reported in prairie dogs and
humans in the United States.
What is the cause of monkeypox?
Monkeypox
is caused by Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus
group of viruses. Other members of this group of viruses that cause
infections in humans include variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used for
smallpox vaccine), and cowpox viruses.
What are the clinical features of monkeypox?
In humans,
monkeypox is similar to smallpox, except that enlargement of lymph nodes
(lymphadenopathy) is associated with monkeypox. About 12 days after
exposure, the illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache,
swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion.
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the
patient develops a papular rash (i.e., raised bumps), often first on the
face but sometimes initially on other parts of the body. The lesions
usually develop through several stages before crusting and falling off.
How long does monkeypox last?
The
illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Is monkeypox fatal?
Studies of
human monkeypox in rural central and west Africa - where people live in
remote areas and are medically underserved - have reported case-fatality
ratios of as high as 10%.
Next: How do people get monkeypox? »
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