Monkeypox is a rare illness, sometimes described as a milder form of
smallpox, that is caused by a virus.
Where Does Monkeypox Occur?
Monkeypox occurs mainly in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. Monkeypox was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. Blood tests of animals in Africa later found evidence of monkeypox infection in a number of African rodents. The virus that causes monkeypox was recovered from an African squirrel. Laboratory studies showed that the virus could also 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.
Monkeypox is caused by Monkeypox virus. The Monkeypox virus is within the family Poxviridae and the genus Orthopoxvirus. Other orthopoxviruses that cause infections in humans include:
Monkeypox transmission can happen either from animal to human or less commonly, from human to human.
Animal to Human
Monkeypox can spread to humans from an infected animal through an animal bite or direct contact with the animal's lesions or body fluids.
Person to Person
Monkeypox also can be spread from person to person, although it is much less infectious than
smallpox. The virus is thought to be transmitted by respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact. In addition, it is possible that monkeypox can be spread by direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing.
Incubation Period for Monkeypox
When a person becomes infected with the virus that causes monkeypox, the virus begins to multiply within the body. After 7 to 17 days, monkeypox symptoms can begin. This period between the transmission of monkeypox and the start of monkeypox symptoms is the "monkeypox incubation period."
In humans, monkeypox symptoms are similar to
smallpox symptoms, only milder. Monkeypox symptoms begin with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A general feeling of discomfort
- Exhaustion.
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a papular rash (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.
The illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
In order to make a monkeypox diagnosis, the doctor will ask a number of questions (medical history) and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of monkeypox.
If there is a moderate or high suspicion of monkeypox, the doctor may order certain lab tests and refer the person to a dermatologist or infectious disease doctor.
Before a
diagnosis of monkeypox is made, the doctor will consider other illnesses that share common syptoms with monkeypox, including:
Monkeypox Treatment and Prognosis
Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox.
Studies of human monkeypox in rural central and west Africa -- where people live in remote areas and are medically underserved -- have reported fatality rates of 1 percent to 10 percent. However, this risk would probably be lower in the United States, where nutrition and access to medical care are better.
Monkeypox and the Smallpox Vaccine
Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated people in Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that people investigating monkeypox outbreaks and involved in caring for infected individuals or animals should receive a smallpox vaccination to protect against monkeypox. People who have had close or intimate contact with individuals or animals confirmed to have monkeypox should also be vaccinated. These people can be vaccinated up to 14 days after exposure.
CDC is not recommending preexposure vaccination for unexposed veterinarians, veterinary staff, or animal control officers, unless such individuals are involved in field investigations.
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