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Basic Information About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in central and west Africa

The disease is caused by Monkeypox virus which belongs to the orthopoxvirus group of viruses. Other viruses in this group that can cause illness in humans include variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used to make smallpox vaccine) and the cowpox viruses.

In early June of 2003, monkeypox was reported to have infected several residents in the United States who became ill after having contact with sick prairie dogs.

Signs and Symptoms : In humans, usually about 12 days after exposure, the illness begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes and a general feeling of discomfort. Within 1 - 3 days of developing the fever, (sometimes longer) the patient develops a papular rash (raised bumps) often at first on the face. The lesions usually develop through several stages before crusting and falling off. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

People can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal's blood, body fluids or lesions. The disease also can be spread from person to person and thought to be transmitted by respiratory droplet during prolonged face to face contact. Additionally, it may be spread by direct contact with an infected person's body fluids or objects contaminated with the virus.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir are being evaluated for the treatment of monkeypox.

Adapted from Fact Sheet CDC 06 09 03