What is monkeypox virus? Is monkeypox contagious?

Monkeypox virus is a double-stranded DNA, zoonotic virus and a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxiviridae. It is one of the human orthopoxviruses that includes variola, cowpox and vaccinia viruses.

Variation in virulence of the virus has been observed in isolated from Central Africa where strains are more virulent than those from Western Africa.

The two areas have distinct clades of the virus, termed Congo Basin and West African clades.

Is monkeypox contagious?

Infection with the monkeypox virus begins with an incubation period. A person is not contagious during this period.

The incubation period averages 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.