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Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare infection found in central or west Africa. There have recently been very few cases in India, but the risk of catching monkeypox is low. 

Monkeypox symptoms

Monkeypox takes nearly 5 to 21 days to show the symptoms developed. The first symptoms include:

  • High temperature
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Swollen glands
  • Shivering
  • Joint pain
  • Exhaustion or tiredness

A rash might appear after the first symptoms in 1 to 5 days, often begins on the face, and spreads to other parts, including the genital, mouth, and anus. One may also experience bleeding from the rectum or bottom. The rash can be confused with chickenpox since it starts as raised spots and turns into small fluid blisters, which will fall off later. Usually, the symptoms will get better on their own within a few weeks, but if you have the symptoms, you can pass the disease on to other people.

Monkeypox causes

Monkeypox can pass from person to person through:

  • Physical contact with people who have monkeypox scabs or blisters.
  • Touching bedding, clothing, or towels of someone with a monkeypox.
  • People with monkeypox start sneezing or coughing when you are around them. 

Monkeypox can spread through infected rodents like rats, squirrels, and mice:

  • If they bite you
  • If you touch the skin, fur, blood, blisters, spots, or scabs of infected rodents
  • Consuming uncooked meats
Monkeypox causes

Monkeypox treatments

When the symptoms become more severe, you may need hospital treatment. Following people are at risk and immediately require hospital treatment:

  • Elderly
  • Young children
  • People with immune deficiency or under medications that can affect the immune system

Since monkeypox can pass through close contact, the patient will be isolated. 

Monkeypox preventions

  • Wash hands with soap or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
  • Talk to your sexual partner about sexual health and symptoms.
  • Be up-to-date on monkeypox symptoms, especially when you have new sexual partners.

Take a break from intercourse or intimate contact with your partner if you have any monkeypox-related symptoms, and consult a doctor immediately.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022