Monkeypox: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention and Vaccine

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic viral contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (orthopoxvirus). It leads to fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a widespread rash on the face and extremities.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. Monkeypox can also be transmitted from one human to another.

Most cases of monkeypox occurred in the central and western parts of Africa.

Monkeypox Symptoms

Monkeypox Symptoms Usually Show Up in This Order

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue

The signs & symptoms of Monkeypox are seen within 5 - 21 days after infection & symptoms are similar to those of smallpox. But Monkeypox symptoms are typically milder.

Monkeypox rash

The monkeypox rash usually appears after 1 to 3 days of fever happen and typically affects the:

• Face (most common site)
• Soles of the Feet
• Palms of the Hands
• Mouth
• Genitalia
• Eyes (Conjunctiva & Cornea)

The Monkeypox rash consists of lesions in the following:

• Macules (flat discolored lesions)
• Papules (slightly raised lesions)
• Vesicles (bumps with clear fluid)
• Pustules (bumps with yellowish fluid)
• Scabs

What Causes Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a part of the orthopoxvirus genus.

Scientists first identified the Monkeypox disease in 1958 and the first case of monkeypox in a human happened in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Before the  2022 US Monkeypox outbreak, it had been reported in people in several central and western African countries already.

How Monkeypox is Transmitted?

Monkeypox spreads through direct contact with the following substances of animals or humans with the infection & these substances can enter the body via breathing, mucous membranes, or broken skin:

• Blood
• Bodily fluids
• Skin or mucous lesions
• Respiratory droplets

Monkeypox transmission can also happen through:

• Physical contact like kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Also, Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
• Bites and scratches from infected animals
• Eating the meat of an infected animal

Monkeypox Pictures

How do you get monkeypox?

Monkeypox can not spread easily between human-to-human but transmission occurs through close contact with infectious material from skin lesions of an infected person or through respiratory droplets.

People who do not have monkeypox signs & symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids still not known. Monkeypox signs & symptoms generally last 2 to 4 weeks and go away without treatment.

What does Monkeypox look like

Pictures of Monkeypox

Monkeypox Virus Prevention

9 Best way to stop the spread of the monkeypox virus prevention is to:

• Wash your hands with soap and water at regular intervals.
• Use PPE kits when you are caring for people infected with the virus
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus in public places.
• Try to avoid contact with infected dead or sick animals.
• Stay away from materials contaminated with the virus.
• Cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts for safety.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Practice safe sex, including the use of dental dams and condoms.
• Wear a mask that covers your full mouth and nose.

A smallpox vaccine can also provide protection against monkeypox in early-stage assumption, but currently, its use is limited to clinical trials. Total Prevention depends on reducing human contact with the infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread.

Monkeypox virus infection

Monkeypox normally takes about 2 to 4 weeks to run its course. If you have seen some monkeypox symptoms, your provider will monitor your condition until the rash resolves.

Is Monkeypox fatal?

The less severe West African clade is causing the next world outbreak. No one has died from this type of outbreak to date. But, monkeypox can lead to other problems like pneumonia and infections in your brain(encephalitis) or eyes, which can be more fatal.

How Do I Take Care Of Myself?

If you found monkeypox symptoms, there are some medications that can help you feel better, including:

• Pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help you feel better.
• Oatmeal baths. Taking a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal can relieve the itchy feeling that comes with rashes on the skin.
• Isolate yourself if you’re infected. Avoid contact with others til all of your lesions have totally gone.
• Cover single or local lesions. Use bandages to limit the spread to others and the environment.
• Take good care. Stay at home and rest when you’re sick, wear a mask in public places and drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid contact with pets, especially rodents.

When Should I Visit Doctor?

Visit or call your doctor if you :

• Have a new rash or sores.
• Been in close contact with a person who is earlier infected.
• Be sick with fever, aches, or swollen lymph nodes.

When should I go to the ER (Emergency Room)?

Try to seek medical care if you develop the symptoms like this.

• Trouble breathing
• New or worsening hurting chest pain
• Stiff neck
• Are confused or can’t think clearly
• Difficulty speaking or moving
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Monkeypox Key Facts

• Monkeypox is viral contagious disease caused by monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.
• Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Death ratio has been around 3–6% cases.
• Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, chills, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.
• Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.
• Smallpox antiviral drug has also been licensed for the treatment of monkeypox.
• Smallpox vaccine also provided protection against monkeypox but now newer vaccines have been developed for prevention of monkeypox