In news- A rare case of monkeypox was detected in Texas, USA recently.
About the Monkeypox-
- Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, caused by monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae and belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.
- It was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease were recorded in colonies of monkeys kept for research.
- The first case of monkeypox in humans was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.
- It is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that is characterised by flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes.
- The condition gradually progresses to a widespread rash all over the face and body.
- It is mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates, but human-to-human transmission also occurs by contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
- Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor.
- Scientists have so far discovered two distinct genetic groups of monkeypox virus — Central African and West African.
- A new third generation vaccinia vaccine has now been approved for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox.
- Smallpox had a higher fatality rate than monkeypox.
- The most recent case detected in the US has been infected by the type of virus found in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria.
- The United Kingdom, Israel and Singapore have also recorded cases of monkeypox in passengers, all of whom were returning from Nigeria.
Source: Indian Express
