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Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral disease with a clinical presentation in humans similar to that seen in the past in smallpox patients. Monkeypox in humans is not usually fatal but causes rashes, fevers and chills. The virus responsible for monkeypox is related to the virus that used to cause smallpox (both are orthopoxviruses), and the smallpox vaccine also immunized against monkeypox. Since smallpox was eliminated in the west, the vaccine is no longer administered to children. Therefore, people are also not immunized against monkeypox. Most cases of monkeypox occur in remote villages of Central and West Africa close to tropical rainforests where there is frequent contact with infected animals. Monkeypox is usually transmitted to humans from squirrels and primates through contact with the animal's blood or through a bite.

Recently, many cases of monkeypox have been reported in the American Mid-West, with suspected cases being reported in Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. It is the first time monkeypox has ever appeared in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is thought that the disease was spread from infected prairie dogs to people. Investigators said the prairie dogs were probably infected with the virus by a Gambian giant rat, which is native to Africa, at a Chicago-area pet distributor.

Last updated: June 16, 2004.