2003 Midwest monkeypox outbreak
2003 Midwest Monkeypox Outbreak
The 2003 Midwest Monkeypox Outbreak (pronunciation: 2003 mid-west mŭn-kē-pŏks out-break) was a significant health event in the United States.
Etymology
The term "Monkeypox" is derived from the disease's first discovery in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The "2003 Midwest Outbreak" refers to the year and location (Midwestern United States) where the outbreak occurred.
Overview
The 2003 Midwest Monkeypox Outbreak was the first reported instance of the Monkeypox virus in the Western Hemisphere. The outbreak was traced back to a shipment of rodents imported from West Africa. These rodents, in turn, infected prairie dogs that were sold as pets.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to but milder than smallpox. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body.
Transmission
Monkeypox is transmitted to people from animals through a bite or direct contact with the animal’s raw meat or body fluids. It can also be transmitted from human to human by respiratory droplets during close contact.
Prevention and Control
Prevention involves avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus. This includes not keeping exotic pets. Vaccination against smallpox appears to provide protection against monkeypox as well.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on 2003 Midwest monkeypox outbreak
- Wikipedia's article - 2003 Midwest monkeypox outbreak
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