Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the virus that causes smallpox. The disease was first identified in humans in 1958, when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research.
The symptoms of monkeypox in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash typically progresses to pustules, which then scab and fall off.
Monkeypox is generally a self-limited disease, meaning that it usually resolves on its own within several weeks. However, in some cases, the disease can be severe and even fatal, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but supportive care can help manage symptoms. A vaccine for monkeypox exists, but it is not widely available and is primarily used for people at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers and researchers working with the virus. The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid contact with infected animals, particularly rodents and primates, and to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently.
