Monkey Pox is a rare disease that is caused by a virus that is similar to the one that causes smallpox. Monkeypox is usually spread to humans through contact with an infected animal, such as a monkey or a rodent. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, rash, and swelling of the lymph nodes. In severe cases, it can lead to death. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but people who become ill with the disease often recover within a few weeks. Although monkeypox is not as deadly as smallpox, it can still be dangerous if contracted by humans. Therefore, it’s important, according to William D King, to be aware of the potential for monkeypox outbreaks and take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.
William D King On The History Of Monkey Pox Outbreaks In America
The first recorded outbreak of monkeypox in the Western Hemisphere occurred in the United States in 1958. It began when a shipment of African monkeys (chimpanzees and cynomolgus monkeys) was imported to the United States for research purposes. Several of the animals developed a rash and fever, and within a week, one of the chimpanzees died. A necropsy was performed on the chimpanzee, and samples from the animal were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing.
The CDC confirmed that the chimpanzee had died from monkeypox, and further investigation revealed that several of the other monkeys in the shipment were also infected with the virus. It is believed that the outbreak began when one of the infected animals was purchased by a pet store in New York City. The virus then spread to humans, according to William D King, who came into contact with the sick animal.
A total of 37 people were infected during the 1958 outbreak, and there were no fatalities. The majority of the patients recovered within a few weeks with only mild symptoms.
The second monkeypox outbreak in the United States occurred in 2003. This outbreak was also linked to African monkeys that were imported for research purposes.
Again, several of the animals became sick with a fever and rash, and one of the chimpanzees died. Samples from the animal were sent to the CDC for testing, and it was confirmed that the chimpanzee had died from monkeypox.
Further investigation revealed that several of the other monkeys in the shipment were also infected with the virus. It is believed that the outbreak began when one of the infected animals was purchased by a pet store in Wisconsin. The virus then spread to humans who came into contact with the sick animal.
A total of 73 people were infected during the 2003 outbreak, and there were no fatalities, according to William D King. The majority of the patients recovered within a few weeks with only mild symptoms.
William D King’s Concluding Thoughts
The monkeypox virus is one of many viruses that pose a threat to humans. The most recent outbreak in the United States was in 2003. However, there are continuous outbreaks, as per William D King, in other parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia. The WHO is continuously working on ways to control these outbreaks and prevent the further spread of the disease.