Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infection based virus that originates from central and west Africa. The first case of monkeypox was in 1970 in the Dominican Republic of Congo. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread between humans and animals. The virus can be spread through direct contact with an infected human or animal. Health officials are already warning the public to take safety precautions. Monkeypox is not a severely dangerous virus, therefore the survival rate of infected humans is 99.9%. High risk individuals include people with weak immune systems, children younger than one, people with a history of eczema, and women who are pregnant. The main ways you can help prevent the spread of monkey pox and prevent yourself from getting it is to get vaccinated, avoid skin to skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like monkeypox, avoid materials someone with monkey pox has used including utensils, cups, or bowls. In the unlikely event of you getting monkey pox, it is best to isolate yourself from others, cover any scars or bumps, and wear a mask if you are near other humans.
