What Is Monkeypox? Signs, Symtoms and Treatment

By Fahad Khan

It is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Most infections last 2-4 weeks.

It is mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates,

but human-to-human transmission also occurs.

Infection can result from close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated materials such as clothing.

Transmission can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus.

Complications can include secondary infections,

bronchopneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and infection of the cornea with ensuring loss of vision.

Typically, up to a tenth of persons ill with monkeypox may die, with most deaths occuring in

Younger age groups.

Vaccination against smallpox with vaccinia vaccine was about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.

There is currently no specific treatment recommended for monkeypox.