Thread by @Dra_TeraizaMesa

#Monkeypox is caused by monkeypox virus,a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. #ViruelaDelSimio

Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from wild animals such as rodents and primates, but human-to-human transmission also occurs.

Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Typically, up to a tenth of persons ill with monkeypox may die, with most deaths occurring in younger age groups.

The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus infection which was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980.
Vaccinia vaccine used during the smallpox eradication programme was also protective against monkeypox.

A new third generation vaccinia vaccine has now been approved for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox. Antiviral agents are also being developed.

Prevention
Raising awareness of risk factors and educating people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to the virus is the main prevention strategy for monkeypox. Scientific studies are now underway to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of using vaccinia

vaccine for the prevention and control of monkeypox. Some countries have, or are developing, policies for use of vaccinia vaccine to prevent infection, for example in laboratory staff and health workers who may be at risk of exposure.

Reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission
Most human infections result from a primary, animal-to-human transmission. Unprotected contact with wild animals, especially those sick or dead, including their meat, blood and other parts must be avoided. Additionally, all foods

containing animal meat or parts must be thoroughly cooked before eating.

Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission
Surveillance and rapid identification of new cases is critical for outbreak containment. During human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with monkeypox

patients is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection. Health workers and household members are at a greater risk of infection.

Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or handling specimens from them, should

implement standard infection control precautions. If possible, persons previously vaccinated against smallpox should be selected to care for the patient.

Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in

suitably equipped laboratories.