MONKEYPOXVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Monkeypoxvirus is a contagious viral infection that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, closely related to the variola virus which causes human smallpox. It primarily affects mammals, including monkeys, rodents, and humans, causing a febrile illness characterized by various skin lesions and severe flu-like symptoms.
The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or via respiratory droplets from an infected person. Monkeypoxvirus typically presents with an incubation period ranging from 7 to 14 days, followed by the onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, similar to many other viral illnesses. However, the disease progresses to the development of a rash, starting on the face and subsequently spreading to other parts of the body. The rash typically evolves through various stages, from macules and papules to vesicles and pustules, eventually forming crusts.
Monkeypoxvirus is generally a self-limiting disease, but in some cases, it can lead to serious complications, such as secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, and even death. Additionally, because of its similarity to smallpox, monkeypoxvirus requires laboratory testing for accurate diagnosis. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms, such as fever management, provision of fluid, and pain relief.
Prevention strategies include avoiding contact with infected animals and implementing proper hygiene measures, particularly handwashing and respiratory etiquette. Vaccination against monkeypoxvirus is available but primarily reserved for individuals at heightened risk due to occupational exposure or those living in affected regions.
Common Misspellings for MONKEYPOXVIRUS
- nonkeypoxvirus
- konkeypoxvirus
- jonkeypoxvirus
- minkeypoxvirus
- mknkeypoxvirus
- mlnkeypoxvirus
- mpnkeypoxvirus
- m0nkeypoxvirus
- m9nkeypoxvirus
- mobkeypoxvirus
- momkeypoxvirus
- mojkeypoxvirus
- mohkeypoxvirus
- monjeypoxvirus
- monmeypoxvirus
- monleypoxvirus
- monoeypoxvirus
- monieypoxvirus
- monkwypoxvirus
- monksypoxvirus
Etymology of MONKEYPOXVIRUS
The word "Monkeypoxvirus" can be broken down into two parts: "monkeypox" and "virus".
1. Monkeypox: The word "monkeypox" originated from the disease it describes, which was first identified in monkeys in Africa. The term "monkey" refers to the primates belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, while "pox" denotes the characteristic rash and skin lesions associated with the viral infection. Monkeypox was first identified in captive monkeys in Denmark in 1958.
2. Virus: The term "virus" comes from the Latin word "virus", which means "poison" or "slime". It originally referred to any poisonous substance. The modern usage of the word started in the late 19th century when scientists identified microscopic infectious particles that cause diseases.
