Monkey Pox Symptoms and causes? Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that belongs to the same family of viruses as Smallpox and chickenpox. The disease first emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970 and has since been reported in various other African countries, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Monkeypox is primarily a disease that affects animals such as monkeys, rodents, and squirrels, but can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or objects contaminated with the virus. In humans, monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that presents with flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash.

Symptoms of Monkeypox:

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to that of other viral illnesses, particularly chickenpox or smallpox. Symptoms may take anywhere between 5 to 21 days to develop after exposure to the virus, with an average incubation period of 10 days. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden, and the illness progresses through stages.

The early stages of monkeypox onset present with fever, headache, muscle aches, and a general feeling of fatigue. In some cases, patients may also experience chills, sweats, and a sore throat. The fever may last for up to three weeks and may be as high as 104 °F.

After the initial fever and viral symptoms, patients develop a rash, which is the distinguishing characteristic of monkeypox. The rash usually appears first on the face and then later spreads to other parts of the body. The rash typically starts as small, raised bumps that develop into fluid-filled blisters. As the illness progresses, the blisters rupture, and the fluid inside them turns into pus. This can take up to 2-4 weeks, and the scabs fall off eventually, leaving behind a characteristic pitted scar.

Lesions may occur in the mouth, eyes, and genital areas, making it very uncomfortable for the patient. The rash and lesions can occur anywhere on the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, making walking and handling items difficult.

Other possible symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Acute respiratory distress
• Conjunctivitis
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of vision
• Tremors
• Seizures

How can one contract monkeypox?

Contact with an infected animal or human is the only way to get mumps. Transmission from animals to humans happens through open wounds like bites, scratches, or contact with infected animal blood, body fluids, or pox sores.

Mpox is contagious yet seldom seen in the wild. Transmission from person to person happens through close, personal contact, such as kissing or intercourse, and results from touching an infected individual’s sores, scabs, respiratory droplets, or oral secretions. Although studies are underway, scientists are still unsure if the virus is spread by sperm or genital secretions.

In addition to direct contact with an infected person or animal, you can catch monkeypox by handling recently contaminated items such as clothes, bedding, and other linens.

Can you get over Monkeypox?

Symptoms of mumps often subside within two to four weeks on their own. Most persons who contract pox recover without medical intervention. After a proper diagnosis, medical attention will focus on easing symptoms, avoiding dehydration, and treating subsequent bacterial infections with antibiotics.

So far, no antiviral therapy for pox has been validated for use. Although antiviral medication shows promise as a therapy for pox, this has not yet been investigated. Antivirals that show promise against pox are now accessible, but only through clinical trials.

Is Monkeypox Fatal?

Fortunately, monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease, and most cases resolve on their own without any treatment. However, severe cases can be fatal, particularly in people who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, leukemia, or organ transplant recipients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs.