Is monkeypox dangerous to humans?

Monkeypox (monkeypox) can be dangerous to humans, although the severity of the disease can vary. Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus.

The symptoms of monkeypox in humans usually start with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. After several days, a rash develops, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash turns into blisters and scabs that eventually fall off the skin.

The disease can be more serious in some cases, especially in children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis (brain swelling), and eye infections that can lead to vision loss.

There are two main branches of the monkeypox virus: the Central African (Congo Basin) strain and the West African strain. The Central African strain is typically more severe, with higher mortality (up to 10%) compared to the West African strain, which has lower mortality (1-3%).

Monkeypox is spread by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals, and possibly by consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or indirect contact through contaminated objects.

Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025