
Monkeypox virus: how worried should we be?
The disease has traditionally been regarded as having low transmissibility – however, case numbers suggest that view might need revision.
ByMonkeypox is a disease caused by an orthopoxvirus in the same family as smallpox and cowpox. It was first identified in monkeys in Africa in the late 1950s, with the first transmission to humans being recorded in the 1970s. Infected individuals will usually develop flu-like symptoms which last 2-3 weeks as well as a rash. The rash can leave scars, similar to chickenpox. Read all of our latest news and analysis on monkeypox below.
The disease has traditionally been regarded as having low transmissibility – however, case numbers suggest that view might need revision.
ByBlack people are stigmatised and white people at risk of missing symptoms.
ByAs with HIV/Aids 40 years ago, the stigma of a disease can have serious consequences for efforts to contain it.
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