Monkeypox is a rare disease (causative organism: monkeypox virus.) Monkeypox virus belongs to the family Poxviridae. The same family of virus which includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.

The illness begins with:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin, respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding. Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets.

wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly

• do not go near wild or stray animals, including dead animals
• do not go near any animals that appear unwell
• do not eat or touch meat from wild animals (bush meat)
• do not share bedding or towels with people who are unwell and may have monkeypox
• do not have close contact with people who are unwell and may have monkeypox

• A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body.
• The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
• The symptoms usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.

Monkeypox is diagnosed by PCR test on a viral swab taken from one or more vesicles or ulcers, or from a dry scraping of the scab. Swabs should be sent in viral transport media

• Treatment for monkeypox aims to relieve symptoms. The illness is usually mild, and most people recover in 2 to 4 weeks.
• But as monkeypox can be very contagious , so ideally once diagnosed with the diseases one should be isolated.

In the European Union and the United States, tecovirimat is approved for the treatment of several poxviruses, including monkeypox. BMJ Best Practice recommends tecovirimat or the smallpox treatment brincidofovir as the first line antiviral treatment if required, alongside supportive care (including antipyretic, fluid balance and oxygenation). Empirical antibiotic therapy or acyclovir may be used if secondary bacterial or varicella zoster infection is suspected, respectively.