The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency for the monkeypox virus, which affected all of Africa with the decision it took on 14 August 2024. So what is this monkeypox virus? Where and when did it start?

What is monkeypox virus?

The virus, whose full name is monkeypox, is a type of virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus family. This virus, which was first identified in 1958 in a laboratory environment on monkeys, takes its name from this event.

The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Monkeypox, known as double-stranded DNA virus, currently consists of two different species. The first type of virus is called Clade 1 and is found as an endemic species in Central Africa. The second type is called Clade 1b and is the virus that caused the WHO to declare a global emergency.

In recent years, the monkeypox virus has been increasing at a great rate in Europe and North America with the change in geographical distribution. With the arrival of the summer months, the rate of spread of the virus increased and WHO urgently issued a global emergency declaration.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox? How does it spread?

In early November 2023, WHO confirmed for the first time that the virus was sexually transmitted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). African scientists had warned that if this situation was not brought under control, the disease would spread to large masses.

Outbreaks in Europe and North America were brought under control with vaccines, antiviral treatment methods and warnings to high-risk individuals. However, due to the medical deficiency in the African continent, the virus could not be brought under control there. The virus, which first spread among animals, then evolved from animal to human.

In its latest form, the monkeypox virus began to spread from person to person. In its latest form, in addition to the normal Covid-19 virus, it can be transmitted by contact, inhaled large droplets, through a wound on the skin or through the eyes, nose and mouth.

The virus manifests itself with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms. Within 1-3 weeks after contact with the body, rashes and watery blisters appear on the body. The rashes can start on the face, hands and feet and spread to the whole body over time.

What is the latest situation in Africa?

According to the statement made by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 August 2024, monkeypox virus outbreaks in Africa affected at least 12,000 people in 2024, while the disease caused at least 524 deaths. The lack of vaccines and medicines in some parts of the African continent is one of the biggest reasons that accelerate the increase in the disease.

So what do you think about this monkeypox virus? Please don’t forget to mention it in the comments.