US records first case of monkeypox; know the symptoms of this rare disease

A rare case of human monkeypox has been reported in a US resident, who recently travelled from Nigeria to the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday.

The patient is currently under treatment in Dallas. However, this case is not a reason for alarm as it won’t cause any threat to the general public, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said.

Other than Nigeria, the virus has also been confirmed in central and western African countries since 1970. According to the CDC, it was also reported in the United States in 2003.

Meanwhile, CDC had asked airline, state, and local health officials to contact passengers who have also been come in contact with the patient.

All You Need To Know About Monkeypox: Symptoms and Treatment

According to CDC, monkeypox is a rare disease but a serious viral illness. A person affected by the disease will have flu-like symptoms and swellings of the lymph nodes, which also caused rashes on the face and body. However, the infection is not permanent as it lasts only for two to four weeks.

Monkeypox is an illness that comes from the family of smallpox.

However, experts are yet to identify the origin of monkeypox, but reportedly it is expected to be from the African rodents and small mammals who spread the virus to people and other forest animals like monkeys.

People who are bitten or scratched by an animal, or have contact with an infected animal, or possibly animal products can get monkeypox.

This virus is transmissible from one person to another through respiratory or through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.).