07/06/2025
๐ง What is Monkeypox? Understanding the Virus in Simple Terms ๐๐ฆ
Youโve probably heard about monkeypox, but what is it really? Letโs break it down:
๐น Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that causes a rash similar to smallpox, but itโs usually milder. Itโs caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family โ the same group that causes smallpox.
๐ Where does it come from?
Despite the name, monkeypox doesnโt come only from monkeys. It was first discovered in lab monkeys in 1958, but it is more commonly found in rodents like squirrels, rats, and dormice, especially in Central and West Africa.
๐ฅ How does it spread?
Monkeypox can spread from:
๐พ Animals to humans: through bites, scratches, or contact with animal body fluids.
๐ค Person to person: through close contact with:
Skin rashes or lesions
Respiratory droplets (from prolonged face-to-face contact)
Contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels
โ ๏ธ Symptoms usually appear 1โ2 weeks after exposure and include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue
A rash that turns into blisters, then scabs (often starts on the face and spreads)
โณ Illness lasts 2โ4 weeks, and most people recover without treatment. However, children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems may experience more severe illness.
๐ก๏ธ Is there a treatment or vaccine?
Thereโs no specific cure, but supportive care helps. The smallpox vaccine offers some protection against monkeypox. Newer vaccines like Jynneos (also called Imvamune or Imvanex) are approved for monkeypox prevention in certain countries.
๐ Why is it in the news?
Recently, monkeypox has spread beyond Africa to countries in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. This has raised concern, but it's important to know:
โ
Monkeypox is not as contagious as COVID-19.
โ
It usually spreads through very close or prolonged contact.
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With proper awareness, hygiene, and medical response, it can be controlled.
๐ฌ Letโs stay informed โ not afraid. Share this post to spread awareness, not the virus! ๐งผ๐งด