PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Monkeypox has gained national and international attention, but many people are still confused about the virus.
It got its name because it first occurred in research monkeys. The virus then passed from animals to people; and now it spreads from person to person. It requires close contact to spread.
It is a relative of smallpox. It is certainly not as severe, but it is still serious, and children as well as people with poor immune systems can get sicker.
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Symptoms include fever, chills, extreme fatigue and muscle aches. After a few days, blisters can appear on hands, feet, face and genitals. The rash can ooze a yellowish fluid.
Most people respond well to hydration and rest, and symptoms go away in two to four weeks. Vaccines against smallpox have been shown to help. Most efforts right now are based on reducing spread.
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