Monkeypox, also known as mpox, usually starts with flu-like symptoms. These early signs typically appear between 6 to 13 days after exposure, but can vary from 5 to 21 days. Here’s what you might notice first:
- Fever: A sudden high fever often marks the onset.
- Headache: Intense headaches are common early on.
- Muscle Aches: Muscle pain and general body aches often accompany the fever.
- Chills: Chills frequently occur alongside the fever.
- Fatigue: A deep sense of exhaustion or weakness may set in.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Unlike smallpox, monkeypox usually causes swollen lymph nodes, which can be painful and appear in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin.
Symptom Progression:
Following these initial flu-like symptoms, a distinctive rash typically appears within 1 to 3 days. The rash often starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. This rash progresses through several stages:
- Macules: Flat, red spots.
- Papules: Raised bumps on the skin.
- Vesicles: Bumps filled with clear fluid.
- Pustules: Bumps filled with yellowish fluid.
- Scabs: Eventually, the pustules scab over and fall off as the skin heals.
This rash can be itchy or painful, and the severity varies among individuals. The illness generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with most people fully recovering, though complications can sometimes occur.
How Monkeypox Spreads:
Monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through contaminated materials. Key transmission methods include:
Human-to-Human Transmission:
- Direct Contact: The virus primarily spreads through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person. Close physical contact, including sexual contact, increases the risk.
- Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face interaction can spread respiratory droplets from an infected person, though this requires extended close contact.
- Contaminated Objects: The virus can also spread via contact with objects, clothing, bedding, or surfaces that have been contaminated.
Animal-to-Human Transmission:
- Bites or Scratches: Monkeypox can be transmitted from infected animals, especially rodents and primates, through bites or scratches.
- Consumption of Infected Meat: Handling or eating meat from infected animals, particularly wild game, can also spread the virus.
Vertical Transmission:
- Mother to Fetus: An infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her fetus through the placenta, potentially leading to congenital monkeypox.
Prevention:
Preventive steps include avoiding contact with potentially infected animals, maintaining good hygiene, and steering clear of close contact with infected individuals. Vaccination is available and recommended for those at higher risk of exposure.
