The UK has confirmed the first case of Monkeypox, the virus transmitted from infected animals such as rodents to humans. The virus was found in a person who recently traveled to Nigeria.
The patient is currently being treated in an isolation unit at St Thomas Hospital in London.
What is Monkeypox disease?
It is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States. The Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopox virus gender in the family smallpox viruses†said it further.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the zoonosis occurs mainly in tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions.
Symptoms of the disease
Fever, skin rash, severe headache, back pain, muscle aches (myalgia), intense asthenia (lack of energy), and swollen lymph nodes are the most common symptoms associated with Monkeypox.
According to the WHO, skin eruptions are also reported in patients of Monkeypox, which start within 1-3 days of the appearance of a fever. The rash is usually more concentrated on the face. Aside from the face, it affects the palms and soles, oral mucosa, genitals and conjunctiva, as well as the cornea, the global health agency said.
The incubation period (interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) of monkeypox is usually 6 to 13 days, but can range from 5 to 21 days, according to the WHO.
How is the disease transmitted to humans?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people. According to the CDC, the disease was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a smallpox-like disease occurred in research monkey colonies, giving the disease its name.
The first case of human transmission was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) more than 50 years ago, in 1970. The WHO says transmission can result from direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals.
Monkeypox’s natural reservoir has not yet been identified, although rodents are most likely to be, it further said, adding that eating undercooked meat and other animal products from infected animals is a possible risk factor.
How can Monkeypox be treated?
There is currently no specific treatment recommended for Monkeypox, according to the WHO. Vaccination against smallpox appears to be about 85 percent effective in preventing the disease. It therefore recommends prior vaccination against smallpox in children to avoid severe monkeypox symptoms.
The natural host of the Monkeypox virus
In addition to rodents, rope weekhorns, tree squirrels, dormice, primates and other species have been found carrying the virus.