Monkeypox

Monkeypox
ICD-10
ICD-9
DiseasesDB
MedlinePlus
eMedicine
MeSH ID

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The disease is endemic to certain parts of Central and West Africa.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but generally milder. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

A rash typically develops 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages before forming a crust and falling off.

Transmission

Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, contact with infected bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of monkeypox can be confirmed by testing samples from skin lesions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies to the virus.

Prevention

Preventive measures include avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus, such as rodents and primates, and practicing good hygiene. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide protection against monkeypox.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the disease is usually self-limiting. Supportive care, including hydration and treatment of secondary bacterial infections, is important. The antiviral drug Tecovirimat has been approved for the treatment of monkeypox.

Epidemiology

Monkeypox is considered a rare disease, with most cases occurring in rural areas of Central and West Africa. Outbreaks have been reported in other regions, often linked to imported animals or travel.

See Also

• Smallpox
• Zoonosis
• Viral hemorrhagic fever

References

• World Health Organization. "Monkeypox." [1]
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Monkeypox." [2]

External Links

• WHO Fact Sheet on Monkeypox
• CDC Monkeypox Information