Monkeypox Symptoms – Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. This virus is closely related to the human poxvirus, including smallpox and chickenpox. Monkeypox is a rare disease that primarily affects monkeys and other non-human primates, but can also infect humans. The monkeypox virus originates in Africa. It is spread from animal to human through contact with an infected animal’s body or bodily fluids, typically a monkey or ape.

Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox can also occur through close contact with an infected person, such as through coughing or sneezing. Monkeypox symptoms typically cause a milder illness in humans than smallpox, but can still be deadly in some cases. There is no specific Monkeypox treatment, but individuals can control the disease through early detection and isolation of infected individuals. A vaccine is available for smallpox but is not effective against monkeypox.

Monkeypox first became identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The first human case was reported in 1970 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of Monkeypox in Africa. The largest monkeypox outbreak occurred in 1996-97 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 500 cases reported.

monkeypox symptoms

Monkeypox has also been reported in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Sudan, and South Africa. In May 2003, an outbreak of monkeypox occurred in the Midwest United States among pet owners who had contact with infected prairie dogs. A total of 37 people were infected with monkeypox in the United States, with most cases occurring in Indiana and Wisconsin. This case was the first Monkeypox outbreak in the Western Hemisphere and the first time that human-to-human transmission of monkeypox was documented outside of Africa. Since May 13th, 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in at least 16 countries, according to the World Health Organization. 

Monkeypox Symptoms and Complications

The Monkeypox virus typically causes a milder illness in humans than smallpox, but can still be deadly in some cases. Monkeypox symptoms usually appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Skin rash

The Monkeypox rash begins as raised bumps that develop into pus-filled blisters. The Monkeypox rash usually starts on the face and spreads to other body parts. Monkeypox is generally a self-limited disease and will resolve on its own in most cases. However, severe monkeypox can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and death.

  • Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a common complication of monkeypox and is the most common cause of death in people with the disease. Pneumonia occurs when the lungs are inflamed and filled with fluid. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and chest pain.
  • Encephalitis: Encephalitis is a rare but severe complication of monkeypox that can occur in children and adults. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can lead to seizures, paralysis, coma, and death.
  • Death: Monkeypox can be deadly in some cases, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis can lead to death in a small percentage of people.

Monkeypox Treatment

There is no Monkeypox treatment, but individuals can control the disease through early detection and isolation of infected individuals. A vaccine is available for smallpox but is not effective against monkeypox. Monkeypox is generally a self-limited disease and will resolve on its own in most cases. However, severe monkeypox can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and death. Treatment for monkeypox focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the patient through recovery. Bed rest, pain relief, and hydration are typically recommended. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat any secondary infections that may occur. Monkeypox is a rare disease, so there is limited data on treatment options.

 Prevention of Monkeypox

The best way to prevent monkeypox is to avoid exposure to the Monkeypox virus. Avoid contact with animals that are known to carry the virus (monkeys, apes, rodents) and avoid contact with people who are sick with monkeypox. Suppose a person must come into contact with an infected person. In that case, they should wear protective clothing (goggles, mask, gloves) and wash their hands afterward.

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