What is Mpox (monkeypox)?

 Why in the news?

• It is with the help of methyltransferase protein that the virus escapes human immunity and causes monkeypox disease.

About Mpox (monkeypox):

• It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
• The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• There are two known types (clades) of mpox virus — one that originated in Central Africa (Clade I) and one that originated in West Africa (Clade II). 
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Transmission: Human-to-human transmission of mpox occurs through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, prolonged face-to-face contact, including sexual contact, and indirect contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. 
• Treatment: There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infection. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.

What are Zoonotic diseases?

• These are infections that are spread between people and animals.
• These infections are caused by germs, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
• Some can be severe and life-threatening, such as rabies, and others may be milder and get better on their own.

Q1) What is Chickenpox disease?

Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox spreads very easily to people who haven't had the disease or haven't gotten the chickenpox vaccine.