Signs of monkeypox: 5 symptoms that appear before the rash

Nur Andi Ravsanjani Gusma / www.pexels.com

Don’t worry, it’s not that scary. Doctors have told you what you need to know about monkeypox and how to tell you have it. You will see, their words will calm you down!

Experts discovered the new virus 64 years ago – in 1958, after two smallpox outbreaks in colonies of monkeys that scientists created for research. The first case of transmission of smallpox to humans from an animal was recorded in 1970 in Congo.

In 2003, there was an epidemic in the United States, where infected small rodents from Africa were infected: people got sick from bites, scratches and contact with animal hair. All 70 patients recovered, after which the disease was forgotten for seven years. They didn’t start talking about it again until 2022.

Now, cases of infection are being investigated in Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Britain, Israel, Canada and the United States. Experts are sure that there is no reason to worry: so far the numbers are very low. However, they believe it is worth knowing how monkeypox is transmitted and manifested.

The virus is transmitted from person to person through close contact. You can become infected during sexual intercourse, as well as by using the same towels, clothes or bedding as the patient.

Healing lesions are dangerous: the scabs can turn into inhalable dust. Large respiratory droplets also pose a threat, but only at a distance of no more than one meter.

In addition, the fur and skin of infected animals spread the infection. Carriers can be not only monkeys, but also rats, mice and squirrels.

The incubation period of monkeypox is seven to 14 days, sometimes up to 21. Symptoms of the disease are not as severe as those of ordinary smallpox.

The rash appears last, and therefore doctors consider it important to know the manifestations that precede it in order to consult a doctor in time.

The first five symptoms of monkeypox are:

The rash usually appears five days after the first symptoms: first on the face, then on other parts of the body.

Not yet. Doctors use the smallpox vaccine to prevent the disease. The situation is similar with treatment: already existing drugs are used.

According to experts, high mortality from the virus is only seen in low-income countries with limited access to medical care. Doctors believe that one should not expect the same course of events as in the case of the coronavirus: monkeypox is not as contagious and requires closer contact.