What is
monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs mostly in central
and western Africa. It is called "monkeypox" because it
was first found in 1958 in laboratory monkeys. Blood tests of animals
in Africa later found that other types of animals probably had monkeypox.
Scientists also recovered the virus that causes monkeypox from an
African squirrel. These types of squirrels might be the common host
for the disease. Rats, mice, and rabbits can get monkeypox, too.
Monkeypox was reported in humans for the first time in 1970.
Is there
monkeypox in the United States?
In early June 2003, monkeypox was reported among several people
in the United States. Most of these people got sick after having
contact with pet prairie dogs that were sick with monkeypox. This
is the first time that there has been an outbreak of monkeypox
in the United States.
What causes
monkeypox?
The disease is caused by Monkeypox virus. It belongs to a group
of viruses that includes the smallpox virus (variola), the virus
used in the smallpox vaccine (vaccinia), and the cowpox virus.
What are
the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?
In humans, the signs and symptoms of monkeypox are like those
of smallpox, but usually they are milder. Another difference is
that monkeypox causes the lymph nodes to swell.
About 12 days
after people are infected with the virus, they will get a fever,
headache, muscle aches, and backache; their lymph nodes will swell;
and they will feel tired. One to 3 days (or longer) after the
fever starts, they will get a rash. This rash develops into raised
bumps filled with fluid and often starts on the face and spreads,
but it can start on other parts of the body too. The bumps go
through several stages before they get crusty, scab over, and
fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Can you
die from monkeypox?
In Africa, monkeypox has killed between 1 percent and 10 percent
of people who get it. However, this risk would probably be lower
in the United States, where nutrition and access to medical care
are better.
How do
you catch monkeypox?
People can get monkeypox from an animal with monkeypox if they
are bitten or if they touch the animal's blood, body fluids, or
its rash. The disease also can spread from person to person through
large respiratory droplets during long periods of face-to-face
contact or by touching body fluids of a sick person or objects
such as bedding or clothing contaminated with the virus.
How do
you treat monkeypox?
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. In Africa, people
who got the smallpox vaccine in the past had a lower risk of monkeypox.
CDC has sent out guidelines explaining when smallpox vaccine should
be used to protect against monkeypox. For example, people taking
care of someone infected with monkeypox should think about getting
vaccinated. Contact your state or local health department for
more information.
Source: Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
|
