Monkeypox only affects monkeys & 10 other myths debunked

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. In 1970, they identified the first human case during an investigation of a central African hospital. As with other orthopoxviruses, the virus can infect humans and animals, but not all animals are equally susceptible to infection. The virus lives primarily in rodents and primates, including humans.

The United Kingdom health authorities first discovered the infection in 2022 after a passenger traveled from Nigeria to the UK.

People are concerned about the spread and transmission of the viral infection, especially considering the ongoing Covid-19 scare. Over 20 countries have now reported monkeypox cases. The World Health Organization has recorded over 250 diseases worldwide, causing concern.

Related: 92 Cases Of Monkeypox In 12 Countries

But what are other facts about the viral infection that you may not know? And how do they compare to the monkeypox myths that surround the illness? Let’s explore further:

Myth: The disease only affects monkeys.

Fact: While the name of this disease is monkeypox, it does not mean that this virus only infects monkeys. The virus first appeared in a monkey. As its name implies, it was first isolated in 1958 from vervet monkeys in Africa, although humans have been living with it since 1967.

Myth: Monkeypox is a new virus.

Fact: It’s not a new disease. In 1958, the monkeypox virus appeared, but health authorities did not isolate the virus until 1970. In 1975, they announced its existence.

Myth: Monkeypox is the same as Smallpox and Ebola

Fact: Monkeypox is not smallpox or Ebola. However, like them, it can also be spread from animals to humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials (such as clothes). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers it a zoonotic infection transmitted between humans and animals, unlike smallpox or Ebola, where transmission is fast.

Myth: It’s easy for humans to catch the infection from pets, especially cats and dogs.

Fact: It is a common misconception that pets are primary carriers. Many people who have contracted the disease did not have any animals in their homes.

While this may seem like good news for animal lovers everywhere, it does not mean you should stop taking precautions against your pet’s exposure to wildlife during outdoor activities.

Myth: Monkeypox is as contagious as COVID-19.

Fact: While it’s true that Monkeypox and Covid-19 are highly infectious and can spread rapidly through a population, the viruses differ in how easily they spread. The virus is not nearly as contagious as COVID-19. Infected monkeys can carry the virus for up to three weeks, showing no symptoms.

Myth: There is no treatment available.

Fact: For the final monkeypox myths, the infection has no specific treatment, but health authorities can control the virus’ spread despite a limited selection of options. They have also licensed an antiviral agent developed to treat smallpox and the virus.

Vaccines such as the smallpox vaccine, cidofovir, ST-246, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can ‌also control an outbreak.

Myth: Laboratories funded by the United States of America caused the monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria.

Fact: Nigerian scientist does not produce the monkeypox virus in Nigerian laboratories.

Related: Monkeypox In The UK: New Case Confirmed In A Traveller From Nigeria

Related: Monkeypox Outbreak: what employers need to know and how to handle it

Conclusion

Various monkeypox myths about the virus have been going around, so we wanted to present the facts about this rare disease. If you live in Africa or work with animals that may be at risk for this disease, ‌get immunized and talk to your doctor about how else you can protect yourself. If not, remember that it’s essential not to take unnecessary risks like eating and touching wild animals. Unless you travel to an area with a high risk for viral infection, there isn’t a lot of risk of getting infected while abroad, but it doesn’t hurt to find out where such places are in advance to take precautions if necessary.