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What is Monkeypox Virus?

Before it turned into a global outbreak 2022, monkeypox was an infection constrained to the African regions.
Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys and the first human case was recorded in 1970.
This zoonotic disease can spread through close personal, skin-to-skin contact. It also includes direct contact with body fluids, monkeypox rash or scabs of an infected person.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
Monkeypox spreads by coming in contact with infected objects used by an infected person. It can be passed on from an infected mother to her fetus. Sexual contact with an infected person can also lead to monkeypox infection.
There is about 5 to 21 days incubation period for monkey pox symptoms to appear. Symptoms include a fever followed by rash on the feet, hands, and face. The rash turns into pus filled blisters that form scab and fall off in 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms of Monkey Pox
Other symptoms include chills, swollen lymph nodes, headache, body ache, nasal congestion, or flu-like symptoms.
An infected person remains contagious from the time the fever and rash appears, until the last scab dries and falls off.
Monkeypox has no specific treatment. Drinking a lot of fluids, living in isolation, and use of pain management treatments may help.
Monkeypox Treatment
The doctor will recommend medicines and line of treatment for monkeyox according to the health condition of the patient.
Monkeypox is a rare infection that does not spread until one has close contact with an infected person. Avoid contact with animals that may be potential carriers of the virus. Speak to the doctor if infection or its symptoms are suspected.