Monkeypox is a disease that has been making news because it’s spreading in different countries. Even though it sounds like a new illness, monkeypox has been around for a long time. This article will help you understand what monkeypox is, how it spreads, what symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent it.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when some monkeys in a research lab got sick with a pox-like disease. That’s how it got its name. In the 1970s, people in Central and Western Africa started getting infected, and scientists realized it could spread from animals to humans. This makes it a zoonotic disease.
The virus that causes monkeypox is part of the Orthopoxvirus family, which also includes smallpox and cowpox. Even though it was first found in monkeys, other animals like rodents can also carry the virus.
People can catch monkeypox by coming into contact with the blood, body fluids, or mucous of infected animals. Eating meat that hasn’t been cooked properly from these animals can also spread the virus. Once someone is infected, they might start feeling sick within a couple of weeks. Symptoms include:
After the fever starts, the person might get a rash with fluid-filled bumps on their face, hands, and feet. These symptoms can last for two to four weeks. If the infected person doesn’t stay away from others, they can spread the virus.
Scientists are trying to figure out why monkeypox is spreading again. One idea is that since smallpox was wiped out about 40 years ago, people stopped getting vaccinated for it. The smallpox vaccine also helped protect against monkeypox, so without it, more people might be getting monkeypox.
Monkeypox is usually mild, and most people get better in a few weeks. But because it can spread easily, it’s important to take precautions:
The first time a human got monkeypox was in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2003, there were 47 cases in the United States linked to pet prairie dogs that had been imported.
As monkeypox continues to spread, it’s important to know how it started, how it spreads, and how to prevent it. By staying informed and keeping good hygiene, you can help protect yourself and others from this disease.
