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It may have a funny name, but the monkeypox virus is not a laughing matter.
Photo Credits: US CDC
Name
Monkeypox Virus
Transmission
- The virus spreads between wild animals (primates, squirrels, rodents) and humans
- Human-to-human transmission is also possible
- You can get infected through direct contact with infected humans or animals (blood, body fluids, skin, bites)
- You can also get infected through indirect contact (contaminated materials and surfaces, respiratory particles)
Geography
Mostly central and western Africa
Incubation Period
5 – 21 days
Signs and Symptoms
Phase One
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Back pain
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Phase Two
- Skin lesions/rashes mostly on the face, palms, and soles of feet
Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of body fluid (blood, throat swab) or skin lesion scrapings
Treatment
No drugs or vaccines exist, but the smallpox vaccine is ~85% effective in preventing monkeypox
Prognosis
Although each epidemic has been different, it has been reported to lead to death in 1-10% of cases
Prevention: What Can You Do?
- Avoid contact with animals that may be infected (especially those that are sick or dead)
- Do not eat bushmeat
- Avoid contact with materials and surfaces that may be contaminated
- Practice good hand hygiene (wash your hands with soap!)
Sources:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs161/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html