Spotlight on monkeypox

#AtoZ

What is monkeypox?

  • Virus-borne illness related to smallpox
  • Transmitted to humans from rodents and primates
  • Symptoms only show after 3-21 days of exposure

Symptoms of monkeypox

  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Headache

Rash stages:
  • Rashes develop after 1–3 days of fever
  • Starts as flat lesions
  • Progresses to bumps or blisters
  • Finally becomes scabs

How is monkeypox transmitted?

  • Direct contact with mpox patient’s body fluids
  • Close contact with respiratory droplets
  • Objects in close contact with an infected patient
  • Animals

Complications of monkeypox

  • Secondary bacterial infection
  • Encephalitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis

Diagnosing monkeypox

  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):
    Detects the virus's genetic material
  • Blood tests:
    Checks antibodies to the virus
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