Monkeypox

Monkeypox is an Orthopoxvirus zoonosis of central/west African rainforest monkeys, can infect other animals and occasionally humans. Clinically smallpox-like but milder. Human monkeypox (Yaba monkey virus disease) rarely human-to-human; bite/scratch → 5-7 day incubation → local nodule up to 2 cm; self-resolves in 3-4 weeks.

Common Symptoms

Macule; vesicle; papulomacular rash; bleeding tendency; back pain; fatigue; pustule; myalgia; crusting; local lymphadenopathy

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: first isolated (1958) from Copenhagen lab monkeys; other hosts include squirrels/rats/mice/rabbits/porcupines/pangolins. Orthopoxvirus (same genus as variola); shares antigens with strong cross-reactivity/cross-immunity—vaccinia protects. Brick-shaped 200×250 nm; grows in Vero cells (CPE), chick embryo fibroblasts (plaques), CAM (pocks); rabbit skin/keratitis; mouse brain encephalitis. (2) Pathogenesis: animal bite/direct contact with blood/body fluids/lesions; rare human-to-human via prolonged face-to-face respiratory droplets or fomites; much less contagious than smallpox.

Treatment

Supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Quarantine imported animals; pet sanitation; cull/carrion disposal. Smallpox vaccine ~85% effective for human monkeypox; vaccinate contacts—but do not indiscriminately expand vaccination due to vaccine risk.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.