Scientists published a draft genome sequence on the preprint server virological.org, claiming that the current monkeypox virus sweeping the globe was closely connected to a strain that spread from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore in 2018-2019 and is part of the West African lineage.

The researchers sequenced a skin lesion sample from an infected male patient in Portugal, where there have been at least 20 confirmed cases. It did not appear that the virus was distinctly different from the previously known viruses, and epidemiological statistics were available.

CDC stated that monkeypox was sexually transmitted, especially among men who have sex with men. Spread among humans was primarily caused through respiratory droplets, direct contact with the body fluids, beddings, clothing and other accessories used by the infected person.

Experts cautioned that the monkeypox generally starts with flu-like signs and lymph node swelling, with rashes on the face and body in the later stage.  The West African strain, recently identified in the U.K., has a 1% mortality rate. Currently, there was no reason to panic as effective vaccines and antivirals were available against viruses in this family. (MedPage Today May 20, 2022)