Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic infection that results in a rash similar to smallpox. However, person-to-person spread outside the household and mortality from a monkeypox infection are significantly less than for smallpox. The rash of monkeypox can also be similar in appearance to more common infectious rashes, such as those observed in secondary syphilis, herpes simplex infection, and varicella-zoster virus infection.
WHO has activated its highest alert level for the growing
monkeypox outbreak, declaring the virus a public health emergency of
international concern.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the
monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as
variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar
to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is
not related to chickenpox.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- · Fever
- · Headache
- · Muscle aches and backache
- · Swollen lymph nodes
- · Chills
- · Exhaustion
- · Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- · A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
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The rash will go through several stages,
including scabs, before healing.
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The rash can look like pimples or blisters and
may be painful or itchy.
Source : CDC/WHO
