Monkey pox is nasty
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FACT SHEET
Basic Information About Monkeypox
June 9, 2003, 10:00 PM ET
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Monkeypox: An Emerging Infectious Disease in North America
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of central and west Africa. The disease is called “monkeypox” because it was discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. Studies of animals in Africa later found serologic evidence of infection in ground squirrels, which are thought to have an important role as a natural host for the disease. Laboratory studies showed that monkeypox infection also can occur in rats, mice, and rabbits.
In 1970, monkeypox was identified as the cause of a smallpox-like illness in humans in remote African locations. In early June 2003, monkeypox was reported among several residents in the United States who became ill after having contact with sick prairie dogs. This is the first evidence of community-acquired monkeypox virus infection in the United States.
Cause of Monkeypox
The disease is caused by Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus group of viruses. Other viruses in this group that can cause infection in humans include variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used in smallpox vaccine), and cowpox viruses.
Signs and Symptoms
In humans, the clinical features of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, except that swelling of lymph nodes is associated with monkeypox. About 12 days after exposure, the illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after onset of fever, the patient develops a papular rash (i.e., 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 Africa, monkeypox is fatal in as many as 10% of people who get the disease; the case fatality ratio for smallpox was about 30% before the disease was eradicated.
Spread of Monkeypox in Humans
People can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal’s blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease also can be spread from person to person, but it is much less infectious than smallpox. The virus is thought to be transmitted by large respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact. In addition, monkeypox can be spread by direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa. The potential role of smallpox vaccine in persons who have been exposed to monkeypox is being assessed. Antiviral drugs, such as cidofovir, are being evaluated for the treatment of monkeypox.
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