Monkeypox is a disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. It was discovered in monkeys and was therefore named monkeypox, but it is likely that various rodents in Central and West African rainforests are the reservoir for the virus.
During the spring and summer of 2022, an unusually high number of cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in several countries. Transmission of the virus seems to have mainly taken place via sexual contacts between men who have sex with men.
Monkey pox often causes rashes, sores and blisters. The symptoms are often mild but can become serious in people in risk groups. In older studies conducted in Africa, some mortality has also been reported.
There are drugs that seem to have some effect against the infection and that can be used in severe disease.
All cases of infection with monkeypox must be reported to the infectious disease doctor in the region and to the Public Health Agency.
Source: Public Health Agency.