• What is Monkeypox?

The monkeypox virus causes monkeypox. It belongs to a family of variola viruses, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys, but the first human case was found in Congo in 1970.

• How many kinds are there?

There are two kinds, West African and the Congo basin kind. The current outbreak is from the West African Type

• Can it kill me?

Deaths from it are rare, 99% of people who get infected are likely to survive. People with weak immune systems however might die from it.

• What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after infection.

• If I have these symptoms, what do I do?

• See a healthcare provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other monkeypox symptoms.
• Remind the healthcare provider that monkeypox is circulating.
• Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you.
• Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you.
• If you’re waiting for test results, follow the same precautions.
• If your test result is positive, stay isolated until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.

• How is it spread from person to person?

You can get it if you directly contact the rash of an infected person. Face-to-face contact also, kissing, sex, and even cuddling. Infected pregnant women can also transfer it to their unborn babies. Additionally, touching items that have touched the infected rash of a person can also infect you. Eating the flash of an infected animal can also infect you

• How can I prevent getting infected?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of person with monkeypox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
  • Vaccination of people who have been exposed or are at risk of getting infected

• Can Monkeypox be treated?

Currently, there are no specific treatments for it, but other drugs used to treat similar viruses can be used to treat it