Explaining Monkeypox and How to Avoid It.

• Position: INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Monkeypox (MPV) is a virus in the same family as smallpox. It was found to infect monkeys in 1958, and humans in 1970. The first outbreak in the U.S., in 2002, was small. Until recently, the outbreaks--mostly in central and western Africa--have been minor.

"The symptoms may be initial fever and fatigue, coming either two or three days before or after a painful rash, which may occur anywhere," says infectious disease specialist Peter Gulick, professor in the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Ninety-five percent of MPV cases have been found in gay men, although this is not a sexually transmitted disease. MPV has now been reported in children, lesbians, and heterosexual women and men."

MPV rarely is transmitted by the respiratory system. 'Though it is not a sexually transmitted disease, avoiding high-risk sexual activity with partners you do not know will help, since it is transmitted through the skin," advises Gulick. "Also, limit physical contact with people who...