About Monkeypox

A viral disease, Monkeypox, has hit the news lately as another infectious disease with more than 54 cases having been reported in the United States as of June 11, 2003.  First found in 1958 in laboratory monkeys, it may actually have a different natural host – the African squirrel.  Other rodents have been found to have the virus, including: rats, mice, rabbits and most recently prairie dogs. 

The first case of Monkeypox in humans was reported for the first time in 1970.  At that time it presented as a rash/illness in humans in the rainforest countries of central and west Africa.  In early June of this year, reports started to emerge here in the United States.  Most exposures were related to contact with prairie dogs that were infected.  As of June 11th, there have been 20 cases reported in Wisconsin, 23 in Indiana, 10 in Illinois and one case in New Jersey.  Some of these exposures were caused by exposure to pet prairie dogs and transmission occurred either when a bite occurred or through direct contact with the ill animal’s blood, body fluids, rash or lesions.

Transmission

The virus is thought to be transmitted by large respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact; by direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person; or contaminated objects (i.e. bedding or clothing).  The disease can be spread person to person, however it is less contagious than smallpox.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms are similar to smallpox, however milder.  They include fever (greater than 99.3 F.), headache, muscle aches, backache, a general feeling of discomfort and exhaustion.  Unlike smallpox, Monkeypox causes swollen lymph nodes.  It may take up to 12 days after becoming infected for the signs to develop.  Within three days (or longer) of the onset of the fever the person develops a raised, bumpy rash, often occurring on the face first, but sometimes initially on other parts of the body, mainly the trunk.  The raised rash will become fluid filled, eventually getting crusty, the rash will then scab over and finally the scabs will fall off.  Other signs and symptoms may include chills/sweats, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath.  The illness can last from 2-4 weeks.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this virus.  Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk in those who have been previously vaccinated.