Monkeypox Pathogenesis, Transmission, Preventive Measures and Treatment Modalities

Monkeypox is a disease transmitted through animals but can also spread from human to human. The causative agent is monkeypox virus which is a ds-DNA virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopox genus of the poxviridae family. Other members of this family are the variola virus and the vaccinia virus. This virus was first discovered in 1958. In 1970, when various types of research were going on to eradicate smallpox, the first case of smallpox in humans was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both smallpox and monkeypox share the same clinical features. Other symptoms are adenopathy and papular rashes. Monkeypox can spread through various modes of transmission. The most common mode is direct contact with contagious animals or contagious humans. Disease progression can be limited by spreading awareness, among the people about the factors responsible for transmission, clinical manifestations, and preventive methodologies.