What is Monkeypox, and How Does It Spread?

By Medical Expert Team

Aug 09 , 2022 | 3 min read

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. Both Monkeypox and Smallpox belong to the same family, Orthopoxvirus and have similar symptoms, but Monkeypox is less severe than Smallpox. The disease was discovered in monkeys who were kept for research and, therefore, the name of the disease. The first human case was discovered in 1970.

There are two types of monkey virus- Central Africa and West Africa strain. The recent 2022 outbreak happened due to the West African type, which is less severe than the other one.

What are the Causes of Monkeypox?

Monkeypox can spread through the following transmission mode.

Contact with an infected animal - Disease may spread due to a bite/scratch by an infected animal.
Contact with an infected person - Person-to-person contamination is less common. However, it can spread through an infected person's respiratory droplet, sores, scabs, and oral fluids. It can also spread through close contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex with the infected person.
Clothing and linen - The infection can also spread by sharing clothing and linen.
Infected meat - Consumption of infected meat or meat products can lead to monkeypox.
Pregnant mother to the foetus - Infection can also transfer from infected mother to foetus through the placenta.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?

Fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes

How is Monkeypox Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made based on the clinical history and PCR tests. The sample is taken from skin lesions for the PCR test.

What are the Monkeypox Treatment Options?

Avoid face-to-face contact with monkeypox patients.
Avoid touching sores, scabs and rash of patients suffering from monkeypox.
Avoid kissing, cuddling and having sex with monkeypox patients.
Avoid sharing utensils, linen, and clothing with symptoms of monkeypox.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or rub your hands with an alcohol-based sanitiser.

How do I Take Care and Prevent Myself from Monkeypox?

You should take the following measures to prevent monkeypox infection.

Avoid contact with persons and animals suffering from monkeypox.
Avoid sharing linen, bedding and clothing with an infected person.
Eat thoroughly cooked meat and meat products.
Use condoms for safe sex.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Practice social distancing and wear triple-layered masks.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while taking care of an infected person.
Disinfect the surfaces with disinfectant.

When Should I Go to the Doctor?

You should consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms-

Feeling sick, suffering from pain
Rashes or sores on the body
If you are in close contact with an infected person.

Monkeypox Vs Smallpox: Understanding the Key Differences

Both Monkeypox and Smallpox are caused by the virus of the same family, Orthopoxvirus. Following are the key differences between Monkeypox and smallpox

	Monkeypox	Smallpox
Virus	Monkeypox virus	Variola virus
Fever	Fever occurs 1-5 days before the appearance of rash	Fever occurs 2-4 days before the appearance of rash.
Rash	Appears on the face, followed by other body parts	Red spots appear in the mouth and then followed by arms, legs, and palm.
Lymph nodes enlargement	Present	Absent
Incubation period	5-21 days	7-19 days
Recovery period	2-4 weeks	Up to 5 weeks
Death	1-10% cases	Upto 30%

Monkeypox VS Chickenpox: Understanding the Key Differences

Monkeypox is different from chicken pox. Here is the list of differences between the two diseases.

	Monkeypox	Chickenpox
Causative agent	Monkeypox virus	Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV)
Transmission	Less contagious	Highly contagious
Fever	Fever occurs 1-5 days before the appearance of rash	Fever occurs 1-2 days before the appearance of rash.
Lymph node enlargement	Present	Absent
Rash	Rash appears on the face, followed by other body parts.	Rash appears first on the chest and back, followed by the face and other body parts.
Incubation period	5-21 days	4-7 days
Mode of transmission	Broken skin and respiratory tract	Respiratory tract

Monkeypox in India

In the South-East Asia region, the first case of Monkeypox was reported in India. Cases have been reported even in patients with no history of travel suggestive of local transmission. Though the fatality rate of Monkeypox is low, taking precautionary measures can prevent the spread of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where else is monkeypox found?

Generally, Monkeypox is found in Africa. However, cases have been reported in the UK, US, Australia and European countries.

2. Who does monkeypox affect?

Monkeypox can affect any person who comes in contact with an infected patient or animal. The disease can affect the foetus of an infected mother through the placenta.