Monkeypox, named for initial outbreaks in monkeys in 1958, is caused by the monkeypox virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus. Despite its name, it’s more commonly found in rodents. Symptoms resemble smallpox, and it spreads through animal bites, undercooked meat, and human-to-human contact.
Monkeypox is a term that might spark curiosity or concern at first glance. The name evokes an image of monkeys and illness, but why exactly is it called “monkeypox”? To answer that, we need to delve into the history, origins, and nature of the disease.
Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. These outbreaks were the initial discovery of what would later be known as monkeypox, giving rise to its name. It is important to note, however, that while monkeys were the first animals in which the disease was identified, they are not the primary carriers.
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes the more well-known variola virus that causes smallpox. Despite its name, monkeypox is more commonly found in rodents such as squirrels and rats, which are considered the primary reservoirs of the virus. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals.
The name “monkeypox” might seem misleading since monkeys are not the main carriers of the virus. However, the naming convention was based on the initial discovery in monkeys. In the scientific community, the name has stuck, even though it might not perfectly reflect the broader picture of the disease’s transmission and natural hosts.
Monkeypox can spread to humans through a variety of ways, including animal bites, scratches, or consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals. The virus can also spread from human to human through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected bodily fluids, or contaminated objects like bedding.
The symptoms of monkeypox in humans are similar to, but milder than, those of smallpox. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
The reemergence of monkeypox as a concern in recent years, especially outside of its traditional areas of prevalence in Central and West Africa, has raised public health concerns. Understanding the origins of the virus and how it spreads is crucial in managing outbreaks and preventing further transmission.
While the name “monkeypox” might lead some to think the disease is solely related to monkeys, the truth is far more complex. The naming is a historical artifact from the time of the virus’s discovery, but it does not fully encompass the broader epidemiological aspects of the disease.
Monkeypox gets its name from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys during the late 1950s. However, it is more commonly associated with rodents as the primary reservoirs. The name remains a reminder of the early days of scientific discovery, even as our understanding of the virus and its transmission continues to evolve.