🌍 A Hidden Tale from the African Forests When the monkeypox virus first entered the radar of global health experts, many assumed it was a recent phenomenon. But the truth is, this zoonotic virus—meaning it transmits from animals to humans—has been quietly circulating in Central and West Africa for decades. Contrary to what the name suggests, monkeypox does not originate primarily from monkeys. In fact, the first recorded case in 1958 occurred in laboratory monkeys used for research in Denmark, which is how it got its misleading name. However, African rodents —especially squirrels, rats, and dormice—are considered the most likely natural reservoirs. 🔬 Monkeypox's Real Origins: Beyond the Name So, where did monkeypox really come from? The scientific community agrees it likely emerged in rainforest ecosystems , where viruses circulate freely among wildlife. These environments act as natural incubators, giving viruses like monkeypox the opportunity to evolve and cross species...