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Monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. It is a rare but causes potentially serious viral illness with symptoms similar but less severe to smallpox. It was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys which were kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

Laboratory studies showed that Monkeypox also could infect mice, rats, and rabbits. The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then cases have been reported in

11 African countries – Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.

Out of the blue, On June 9th a total of 33 persons were suspected with Monkeypox and have been reported in Wisconsin (18), Illinois (10), and Indiana.

All about the disease

Monkeypox is rarely seen in people. About 12 days after exposure, the illness usually begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days after the appearance 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 weeksIncubation period for Monkeypox from the time of exposure to symptoms can be anywhere from 3 to 17 days.

Most people who contract Monkeypox starts to show their symptoms within five to 13 days, which means if additional cases are found, they will likely start to show symptoms soon.Monkeypox can spread from an infected animal to humans through an animal bite or direct contact with the animal's lesions or body fluids. It can also spread from person to person through respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact. In addition, it is possible that it can spread by direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing.

Currently, there is no treatment available for Monkeypox. It is thought that Smallpox vaccine can reduce the risk of Monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa.