• What is monkeypox?

  A virus similar to 'normal' pox [smallpox] that generally runs its course within a month. Incubation is 7-21 days. Strains from West and Central Africa identified. It's thought around 1 in 10 of those who are infected in Africa die.

• Human Transmission

  Close contact. More cases detected in gay men, but experts say too early to confirm intercourse main cause. Originated from contact, bites or eating infected animals.

• Symptoms

  Pustules, lesions and blisters on the skin, head, back/muscle ache, and fever. Smallpox vaccines and antiviral treatments are already available and have been cleared to treat monkeypox - but efficacy doubts.

• Mystery Spread

  Experts are still uncertain precisely how monkeypox is spread. Some studies suggest via mixed bodily fluids, pox secretion, or via nose and mouth contact. So why is it spreading rapidly across the world?

20 May 2022   RT