Monkeypox: What It Is & Just How Concerned You Should Be

RADICALFIRE.COM

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with Monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.

So what exactly is Monkeypox and just how concerned should you be? Let’s take a look at the history of Monkeypox and some of the key facts about it.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘Monkeypox.’

Monkeypox were reported in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. All people infected with Monkeypox in this outbreak became ill after having contact with pet prairie dogs.

The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. In Africa, Monkeypox has been shown to cause death in as many as 1 in 10 persons who contract the disease.

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for Monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a Monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine can be used.