One of the diseases making waves in recent months is monkeypox. It has made a comeback and is now a global health concern. While monkeypox is still a problem in some parts of Africa, there have been several cases reported in other regions, like Europe and North America. Europe has reported “over 10,600 cases”, as per Statista. It was also declared by the World Health Organization in August of 2024, that monkeypox now known as mpox, is a public health emergency.
Moreover, monkeypox is a disease that spreads from animals to humans, which is typically caused by the monkeypox virus. You’re probably familiar with chickenpox and smallpox. Monkeypox virus belongs to the same family as smallpox virus. In this article, we’re going to learn more about monkeypox and how it spreads.
The History of Monkeypox
It was in 1958 that monkeypox was first discovered, during two outbreaks in monkeys. These monkeys were being used for research at that time, hence how the disease got its name. Fast forward to the first human case, it was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ever since, most cases have been found around the Central and Western Africa region, where the virus is believed to be spread by rodents.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
- High body temperature
- Headache
- Sore muscles
- Feeling weak and exhausted
- Swollen bumps on the body (neck, armpits, or groin)
- Feeling really cold and shivery
- Red spots on the body (like rashes)
- Blisters on the body
- Crusty scabs
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
This disease primarily spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids or sores of someone who’s infected. This could happen if you touch the rash, blisters, or scabs on their skin.
Also, if an infected person coughs or sneezes and you somehow breathe in the droplets, then you can get the disease; but that’s not as common.
Lastly, you could also catch monkeypox by touching things like the bedding or clothes of an infected person, because these items have the virus on them.
Common Misconception About Monkeypox
There are common misconceptions about monkeypox, one of which is that monkeypox is the same as smallpox. It is true that both viruses belong to the same family, however, monkeypox is less severe and less contagious than smallpox.
Another misconception is that monkeypox can only be gotten from monkeys. It’s easy to think that, given the name of the virus. However, the virus is mostly transmitted to humans from rodents like rats and squirrels. These animals are considered to be the “main carriers” of this virus.
Because the first case of monkeypox was recorded in DRC, Africa, non Africans simply believe it’s only an “African problem”. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, as this virus is now a global spread, entering countries that have been affected by it before.
The last misconception about monkeypox is that it is not a big deal. Thinking that any disease is not a big deal is one of the biggest mistakes you’ll make in life. Because monkeypox isn’t as common as chickenpox doesn’t mean it can’t lead to complications. As a staggering matter of fact, it can, especially in people with really weak immune systems.
Bottom Line
Monkeypox is back in the spotlight as a serious health issue around the world, not just in Africa but also in places like Europe and North America. Monkeypox isn’t the same as smallpox, and it’s not just spread by monkeys; it mostly comes from rodents like rats and squirrels. Even though it’s not as common as some other diseases, monkeypox can still cause serious problems, especially for people with weaker immune systems.
