Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to the virus that causes smallpox. Outbreaks of monkeypox have primarily been reported in Central and West Africa, but cases have also been reported in other regions, including Europe and North America.
In 2003, an outbreak of monkeypox occurred in the United States, with cases reported in several midwestern states. The outbreak was linked to the importation of exotic animals from Africa, and was eventually controlled through quarantine and other measures.
In 2018, a case of monkeypox was reported in the United Kingdom, in a person who had recently traveled to Nigeria. This was the first reported case of monkeypox in the UK.
Overall, while monkeypox is primarily a disease of Central and West Africa, cases have also been reported in other regions, including Europe and North America. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the possibility of monkeypox in patients who have recently traveled to areas where the virus is known to be present.
