Monkeypoxvirus (MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family. MPXV falls into the same genus category as Cowpox (CPX), Variola (VARV), and Vaccinia (VACV) viruses. Poxviruses cause disease in humans and many other animals; infection typically results in the formation of lesions, skin nodules or disseminated rash. MPXV causes the disease in both animals and humans. It can be transmitted through animal-to human-contact e.g., animal bites, contact with animal bodily fluids etc., human-to-human contact e.g., touching infected lesions, inhalation of respiratory droplets, and eating infected meat that has not been thoroughly cooked. The incubation period for MPXV is typically 7â??14 days, but can range from 5â??21 days. Early onset symptoms of the disease are: swollen lymph nodes, aches and pains, fever and chills, headaches, and extreme fatigue. After 1-3 days, patients develop rashes, which progress to lesions, eventually scabbing over and falling off. The disease usually lasts for around 2-4 weeks. Swollen lymph nodes are typical of monkeypox. However, lesions may be haemorrhagic or coalesce into large bullae. The Monkeypox virus Antigen Rapid Test kit is a rapid test that utilizes a combination of Monkeypox antibody coated colored particles for the detection of Monkeypox antigen in human sample.
