Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection from the Monkeypox virus. The Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that cause Smallpox. However, symptoms of Monkeypox are considered milder than those of Smallpox.

Brief History and Origins of Monkeypox  

In 1958, Monkeypox was discovered when two outbreaks of pox-like diseases occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. The first human case of Monkeypox was reported in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak– Monkeypox had only been reported for people in central and western African countries or those traveling to and from those regions. Previous cases have also been linked to animals imported from the central and western African regions.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

There are several ways that Monkeypox can be transmitted from person to person:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids.
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact such as sex, cuddling, and kissing.
• Touching items (such as clothing) that have previously touched the infectious rash of bodily fluids.
• Pregnant people can spread the monkeypox virus to their fetus through the placenta.

It is important to know that it is also possible for people to get Monkeypox from infected animals, which can happen either by being scratched or bitten by an infected animal, or by eating or preparing meat or products from an infected animal.

What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?

There are several symptoms that are common for monkeypox, those include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle Aches and backache
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples and blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, sheet, genitals, or anus.

The rash goes through several different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts between 2-4 weeks. Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by the other symptoms. Others only experience the rash.

** If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you may have been exposed to Monkeypox, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Prevention Steps Should I Take?

To help protect yourself against contracting Monkeypox, the CDC recommends taking the following steps:

• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Monkeypox.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with Monkeypox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Monkeypox.
  • Do not kiss, cuddle, or have sex with a person with Monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Monkeypox.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching dead rodents and primates as they may carry the virus.

If you suspect you have Monkeypox, the CDC recommends that you:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Isolate yourself at home and avoid public gatherings.
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets that live with you, if possible.

** If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you may have been exposed to Monkeypox, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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