Monkeypox is a viral infection that mainly affects animals such as monkeys, rodents, and other mammals. However, it can also infect humans, and it’s a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is related to smallpox, which is now eradicated globally. The monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 when outbreaks occurred in monkeys that were kept for medical research. The virus then spread to humans in the 1970s.

Monkeypox is a rare disease, and a few outbreaks have occurred in African countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. The disease recently gained attention when it was identified in the United Kingdom in 2018, after a person was diagnosed with the virus. Therefore, the question of how one can catch monkeypox is pertinent.

The monkeypox virus is found in animals such as monkeys, rodents, and other mammals. Humans can become infected with the virus through:

1. Direct contact with infected animals: Humans can catch monkeypox virus by having close contact with infected animals such as monkeys, rodents, and other mammals. This applies mainly to individuals who work with animals or come into contact with them.

2. Contact with infected human beings: Individuals can also catch the virus from humans who are infected with monkeypox. This occurs through close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household, sharing utensils, or dealing with infected body fluids.

3. Airborne transmission: In rare cases, the monkeypox virus can spread through the air, especially in crowded places with poor ventilation. This mode of transmission is mainly seen in healthcare settings.

4. Bites from infected animals: The virus can also be transmitted through bites from infected animals such as rats, squirrels, and monkeys.

The symptoms of monkeypox in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face, then spreading to the trunk and limbs. The rash changes and goes through different stages before forming a pockmark, which eventually crusts over and falls off.

To prevent monkeypox, individuals should avoid close contact with infected animals, especially those that are sick or found dead. They also should avoid contact with infected humans and their body fluids.

Some measures an individual can take include:

1. Wear gloves and protective gear when handling sick or infected animals.

2. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals and their products.

3. Cook meat thoroughly before consumption.

4. Avoid contact with sick people with symptoms such as fever, rash, and other symptoms.

5. Vaccination: Currently, there is no cure for monkeypox. However, vaccination is available in some regions where outbreaks have occurred.

In conclusion, monkeypox is a rare disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is found in animals such as monkeys, rodents, and other mammals. The disease is preventable by taking necessary precautions such as avoiding close contact with infected animals and humans, wearing protective gear, washing hands thoroughly, and getting vaccinated if available. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if one has symptoms of monkeypox, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.

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