Rare Case of Monkeypox Reported in Mass

Rare Case of Monkeypox Reported in Mass

Massachusetts health officials reported Wednesday the first case of the rare monkeypox in a man who recently traveled to Canada.

Presently, there is a small outbreak of the virus in Europe.

According to the CDC, "Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’ The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox. Since then monkeypox has been reported in humans in other central and western African countries."

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The United Kingdom Now Has 9 Reported Cases

“Two more people with monkeypox have been identified, taking the total number of cases in the UK to nine. Both live in the South East of England - where most of the cases have been identified - and it is thought they got the infection through spread in the community, rather than travel. Monkeypox is usually linked with travel to West Africa.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the virus does not usually spread easily and the risk to people is low,” according to The BBC.

 

Here Is What You Need to Know:

 

CDC on Transmission

Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding. Human-to-human transmission is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required. Other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.

 

CDC on Treatment

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used. Learn more about smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and VIG treatments. READ MORE.