Monkeypox was first discovered during an outbreak in 1958, but it wasn’t until recently that many of us started paying attention to it. The recent outbreak has raised many questions regarding what it is, what the symptoms of it are, and how it spreads. Unfortunately, since it’s a new topic for many people, there are many misconceptions about this disease. That’s why we’re going to discuss exactly what it is so that we can bring more awareness to it.
What Is Monkeypox?
The best way to describe monkeypox is to use the description given to us by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
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.
Monkeypox typically affects rodents or nonhuman primates, but can also be transmitted to humans. In the past, monkeypox cases mainly consisted in Central and West Africa. The outbreak shows us, though, that it can spread to other areas of the world. That’s why the CDC is monitoring cases of monkeypox around the world.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
There are multiple ways that monkeypox can spread. The first way is through close contact with someone who is infected with the disease. Direct contact with scabs or bodily fluids can incldue a range of activities, such as hugging, kissing, sexual intercourse, prolonged face-to-face contact, and contact with respiratory secretions. It can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces that have been used by the infected person.
Monkeypox is also a zoonotic disease, meaning that it’s possible for animals to carry germs that can spread to people and cause illnesses. It’s spread through either being bitten or scratched by the infected animal or by preparing, eating, or using products from that animal. Many times, humans are infected with the disease when they partake in hunting, trapping, or processing the infected animal. That said, it can also be spread through close contact with the animal, such as hugging, cuddling, and sharing sleeping areas. While scientists are still learning about which animals can be infected, here is a list of some of the animals that have been studied.
The last known way for monkeypox to spread is through pregnancy. Though research is limited and it is unknown if pregnant people are more susceptible to the disease, we do know that the virus can be spread to the fetus through the placenta.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms of monkeypox do not usually appear immediately. In fact, they usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. The virus can be spread from the time the symptoms start up until the rash has fully healed, meaning all the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The most defining symptom related to monkeypox is a rash that is typically located near the genitals, hands, feet, chest, or mouth. There are different stages that the rash typically undergoes, which are identified in the image below.
| Stage | Stage Duration | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Enanthem |
|
|
| Macules | 1−2 days |
|
| Papules | 1−2 days |
|
| Vesicles | 1−2 days |
|
| Pustules | 5−7 days |
|
| Scabs | 7−14 days |
|
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/clinical-recognition.html
Other common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat or cough
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
Since many of these symptoms are similar to other illnesses, it may be hard to differentiate them. Compared to other diseases that may initially seem similar, one of the distinctive features is Lymphadenopathy, which is the swelling of your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small organs that are part of the immune system and are most often felt in the neck, under your arms, and near your groin.
Remember that the symptoms may vary depending on the person. While some people get a rash before the other symptoms, others may experience it the other way around or may only get a rash with no other symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a check-up with your healthcare provider.
Confirmed Monkeypox Cases in the United States
As of August 26, 2022, the CDC reported a total of 17,432 cases in the United States and 47,652 global cases in 2022. The chart below displays the number of cases in each state.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are constantly updating their website on important updates regarding monkeypox. Since the number of cases could change by the day, check their website for a more recent update.
What to Do if You Have Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. While most people will recover within 2 to 4 weeks without a medical treatment, others may experience more severe or lasting symptoms.
Since this is a contagious disease, anyone who has or thinks they have monkeypox should take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC has provided a guide for how to take care of yourself and manage your symptoms; you can find it here. However, you should also seek medical attention to better diagnose and treat your symptoms. When you book an appointment with us at DFW Family Clinic, we’ll help you identify whether you have monkeypox and what to do during your recovery.
