Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is closely related to smallpox, a virus which was eradicated in 1980. The Monkeypox virus was discovered in 1958 in laboratory monkeys in Copenhagen and subsequently, in 1970, it was found to naturally infect humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Human infections have now been reported in a number of countries in West and Central Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans by direct contact with an infected animal, most commonly rodents or primates, or through contact with an infected human. The disease starts with a fever, followed by a rash and eventually pustules, offering similar symptoms to smallpox, though less severe. The majority of people infected with Monkeypox recover completely within a few weeks, however, it can be fatal in some cases. Monkeypox has been studied to help understand how the Orthopoxvirus family behaves, as well as to develop improved ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing Monkeypox in humans.