Monkeypox: An Emerging Infectious Disease Affecting Humans
Monkeypox: An Emerging Infectious Disease Affecting Humans Monkeypox, a rarely occurring viral zoonotic disease, has recently gained attention due to its potential to spread and cause outbreaks in humans. The disease, which was first identified in 1958 in monkeys, has since been found in several African countries, with occasional cases appearing in other parts of the world. While monkeypox is generally a mild illness, it should not be underestimated, as it can cause severe complications and poses significant public health concerns. Similar to its close relative, smallpox, monkeypox manifests with a fever, rash, and other flu-like symptoms. The virus responsible for the disease, known as the monkeypox virus, belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus and is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected animals. This can occur through direct physical contact, consuming infected meat, or handling the bodily fluids of infected animals. Additionally, human-to-human transmission is