Information

June 16, 2003

Monkeypox Virus Facts

What is Monkeypox Virus?

Human monkeypox is a lot like a mild version of smallpox. It was originally diagnosed in captive monkeys at a zoo in Denmark in the late 1950s, however subsequent studies carried out on monkeys from Asia and Africa found that the virus was only endemic to Central Africa. Many species of primates are susceptible to infection with monkeypox, and the disease can pass to humans who come into direct contact with an infected animal.

What are the symptoms?

Human monkeypox starts with symptoms such as fever, pain, and swollen lymph nodes, lasting from 1 to 4 days. Between day 5 and 15 the patients develop generalized rashes consisting of blister-like pimples that fill with pus, break open, and later produce scabs. These eruptions can cover the entire body.

How is it transmitted?

The monkeypox virus is passed to humans through contact with infected animals. The virus is transmitted through small cuts or lesions on the skin. Monkeypox virus is less infectious than smallpox. Human-to-human transmission typically represents only about 30% of all human cases.

How is monkeypox virus treated?

Prior vaccination against smallpox appears to help protect humans against infection and/or disease from monkeypox. However mass vaccination against smallpox hasn’t been carried out since the disease was eradicated in 1980. Although most cases will heal over time, the human monkeypox fatality rate can be up to 10%.

Where can I find more information?

The Website of the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control contains information about the current outbreak in the U.S.