What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare and emerging zoonotic disease that is caused by a virus belonging to the same orthopoxvirus family as smallpox. It is primarily seen in central and western Africa, where it was first discovered in 1958. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as from human to human. The symptoms of monkeypox are typically similar to those of smallpox, which includes fever, malaise, headaches, muscle pains, and a rash.

What Does Monkeypox Look Like?

The rash associated with the disease is one of its most distinguishable characteristics. The rash typically appears within 6-7 days after the initial infection and can first present itself in the face and/or hands before spreading across the body. The rash consists of lesions that appear as bumps and vesicles (small fluid-filled sacs) that are rarely more than 1 cm in diameter. The bumps will usually fill with pus and eventually form a crust and then scab before they heal and disappear.

When to Seek Treatment?

If you suspect you have been infected with monkeypox, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true if you begin to experience any of the symptoms of monkeypox such as fever, malaise, headaches, and muscle pain. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing the spread of the disease and avoiding any serious complications.

In most cases, symptoms of monkeypox can be effectively managed with bed rest and support care such as hydration and over-the-counter pain relief medications. Patients may also be prescribed an antiviral medication, depending on the severity of their case.

It is important that people who have had contact with an infected person seek medical attention to ensure they are not infected as well. Vaccines are currently available and can help to prevent the disease, as well as reduce its severity should a person become infected.