Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name 'monkeypox'. In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not. Transmission of monkeypox virus occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). Laboratory tests that are used to diagnose monkeypox virus include detection of immunohistochemical testing, electron microscopy, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and virus isolation.
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Blood -- Collect fresh samples with an anticoagulant (non-heparin), centrifuge at 2 - 8°C, 1000 x g for 15 min within 30 min after sample collected. Supernatant can be collected and immediately detected. Rash exudate -- Swab the rash exudate with a sterile swab, place in a sterile test tube (containing 1 mL sterile normal saline), sealed the tube with a sterile cotton ball and sent for examination. The sample could be immediately used for testing.
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