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Monkey pox is a zoonotic disease that can also be transmitted to humans and vice versa. Recently, infections have been reported in many places around the world. The first case was also detected in Poland. The symptoms of monkey pox are deceptively similar to those of chicken pox. Usually, however, they are milder. In what order do they appear? What should attract our attention? We advise!
- The disease was first identified in 1958. The first human case of monkey pox was recorded in 1970.
- Recently, it is loud again due to the fact that new cases of the disease have appeared in the USA and Europe, among others
- The symptoms of monkey pox are almost confusingly similar to those of chicken pox. However, its course is milder
- The first symptoms of monkey pox can also be mistaken for the flu. However, the main difference is that a few days after the onset of the fever, the skin becomes covered with a rash
- Doctors reassure you that this disease is mild and it is difficult to catch it. In addition, no deaths from monkey pox have yet been reported
- You can find more such stories on the Onet homepage
What is monkey pox?
Monkey pox is caused by a virus that belongs to the genus orthopoxvirus. The disease was first identified in 1958. In 1970, the first human case of monkey pox was recorded. He appeared in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Recently, it has become loud about her again. Doctors argue that the course of this disease is rather mild or moderate.
Symptoms of monkey pox
From the moment you become infected with the monkey pox virus, it can take up to 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. Usually it takes 7-14 days. Here are the symptoms that appear right at the beginning:
- fever (over 38 degrees C),
- Headache,
- muscle aches,
- back pain,
- enlargement of the lymph nodes,
- chills,
- general fatigue.
It is worth having a fever kit at home: a contactless thermometer + a gel compress. You can buy it HERE
Up to three days after the onset of the fever, the body becomes covered with a rash. Most often it appears on:
- face
- hands,
- soles of the feet,
- mouth,
- genitaliach,
- eyes (including conjunctiva and cornea).
The rash progresses to the next stage of the disease:
- spots or flat discolored lesions
- lumps or slightly raised lesions,
- vesicles or nodules with clear liquid
- pimples or lumps with yellowish fluid
- strupy.
Finally, the scabs fall off by themselves. They can leave deep scars that should disappear after a maximum of four years. All of the above symptoms last for two to four weeks and disappear without specialized treatment.
- See also: Monkey pox. What vaccines and drugs does the world have?
How is monkey pox caught?
Monkey pox is spread through direct human or animal contact with blood, body fluid, skin or mucous lesions. These substances can enter the body through breathing, through mucous membranes or through broken skin. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the spread of monkey pox between humans is negligible. When it does, it is usually due to prolonged face-to-face contact. Transmission of the virus can also take place through:
- bites and scratches of infected animals,
- eating the meat of an infected animal
- contact with a contaminated object, e.g. bedding.
Monkey pox – complications
Although monkey pox is a rather mild disease, it can cause complications. The most common complications include:
- bronchopneumonia,
- sepsis,
- inflammation of the brain tissue, also known as encephalitis
- corneal infection (in extreme cases it may lead to blindness),
- secondary infections.
In addition, in severe cases, skin lesions may coalesce and cause the skin to peel off.