Abstract

Monkeypox is a re-emerging viral zoonosis that occurs naturally in heavily forested regions of West and Central
Africa. Monkeypox was first identified as a distinct illness in 1958 among laboratory monkeys in Copenhagen,
Denmark. Inter-human transmission of monkeypox virus, although limited, drives outbreaks, particularly in
household and health-care settings. But the available evidence suggests that without repeated zoonotic introductions,
human infections would eventually cease to occur. Therefore, interrupting virus transmission from animals to humans
is key to combating this disease. The first documented cases in humans was in 1970, in six unvaccinated children
during the smallpox eradication efforts. It has largely been believed its epidemiology was masked by smallpox
transmission and the eradication of smallpox in 1977 brought the disease to prominence. Monkeypox is manifested by
fever, headache, muscle pains, shivering, blistering rashes, swollen lymph node etc. The period of exposure to onset of
symptoms ranges from 5-21 days and duration of symptoms is typically 2-4 weeks and symptoms ranges from mild to
severe and can occur without any symptoms. One of the setbacks observed in Africa is limitation in data collection
with reference to monkey and underfunding of Monkeypox Research. There is gap in knowledge and the preventive
measures utilized aren’t emphasized and the citizens are not well oriented about the disease. This seminar gives an
insight into the History and various studies conducted by outstanding researchers. It explains terminologies, and
review concisely previous study relevant to monkeypox in Africa and Nigeria. It also delineates the various
Diagnostic methods, Virology, Epidemiology, Clinical features, Pathogenesis and Pathology, Treatment, and
Preventive measures utilized so far