+91 9166125555
Similar to other viral infections, M pox or Monkeypox can also cause symptoms similar to those of COVID, such as coughing and flu-like symptoms. There are some key distinctions between M pox and Corona. Particularly, M pox affects a person's face and external features with fluid-filled lesions.
The M pox virus is slowly spreading throughout the world and has already made its way into areas that shouldn't have been affected, including significant regions of South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, which is home to some of the world's densest populations. Cases of the virus have already been reported in Pakistan and India (30 cases till date). Similar to the early years of the Covid outbreak, the significant influx of Mpox in South Asian regions may expose a large portion of the population to the virus, since these areas lack the facilities and medical care needed to handle such a situation.
However, the WHO has declared monkeypox a worldwide health emergency and has urged medical professionals everywhere to remain vigilant in spotting patient symptoms. WHO has asserted that this specific virus is "not the new Covid" and that there is no need to become overly alarmed. According to WHO, if proper international cooperation is maintained, the world can easily fight this virus.
Let’s understand more about this virus in this blog. Because getting aware of this disease is the only way to open the doors for its prevention.
Monkeypox, also called M pox, is a rare illness brought on by a virus. Rashes and flu-like symptoms appear if a person gets exposed to it. This virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, just like the more well-known smallpox virus. Close contact with an infected person is the major cause of M pox spread. It can also spread from animal to human.
The M pox virus is classified into two types (clades): Clade I, which originated in Central Africa, and Clade II, which originated in West Africa. Clade IIb, a variant of the milder West African clade, is the cause of the current global outbreak (2022–2023).
The M pox primarily spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected individual. In addition to mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (like kissing), close contact also includes being face-to-face with an infected individual. Therefore, breathing or talking close to one another can generate infectious respiratory particles which may also spread this disease. Individuals who have multiple sexual partners are more likely to get infected with this disease.
Additionally, M pox can spread through contaminated items like linens or clothing, needle injuries in medical settings, or public places like tattoo parlors. Pregnancy and childbirth can transmit the virus to the fetus. Experiencing M pox during pregnancy can pose a threat to the developing fetus or infant, potentially resulting in pregnancy loss, stillbirth, infant death, or complications for the carrying parent. Humans can contract M pox from infected animals through bites or scratches, or through tasks like skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
Signs and symptoms of M pox typically appear one week after exposure, but these symptoms can appear anytime one to twenty-one days later. Usually lasting two to four weeks, symptoms can linger longer in people with compromised immune systems. Typical M pox symptoms include:
Some people get a rash as soon as they get the M pox infection, while others may experience fever, aches in their muscles, or sore throats first. Often starting on the face, the M pox rash spread throughout the body, even on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also spread to genitalia, where the contact happened. It begins as a flat sore that turns into a blister that is painful or itchy and filled with liquid. The lesions dry up, crust over, and eventually fall off as the rash heals. While some people may only have a few skin lesions, others may have hundreds or even more. These can show up on the body at any spot, such as:
Dysuria, which is pain and difficulty while urinating, or painful swelling of the rectum (proctitis) are other conditions that some people may experience. Until all sores heal and a new layer of skin forms, people who have M pox can infect others with the illness. Some individuals may carry the infection but show no symptoms. There have been reports of acquiring M pox from asymptomatic (symptom-free) individuals. Complications from M pox increase the risk of serious illness and death in children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, including those living with unmanaged HIV infection.
Certain M pox patients may suffer from serious illnesses. An abscess or severe skin damage, for instance, may result from bacterial skin infections. Other consequences include sepsis, pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis, proctitis, genital organ infections, urethritis, pneumonia, corneal infection resulting in blindness, pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration or malnourishment, and infections of the blood, brain, heart, or urinary tract. In some situations, M pox can be fatal.
Due to its low prevalence, M pox may initially be mistaken for other rash conditions like chickenpox or measles by medical professionals. However, swollen lymph nodes typically set M pox apart from other pox infections.
An open sore (lesion) tissue sample is obtained by your healthcare provider in order to diagnose M pox. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique (genetic fingerprinting). For the purpose of testing for the M pox virus or antibodies produced by your immune system, your blood sample is required.
Currently, there aren’t any approved antiviral treatments for this M pox disease. Getting vaccinated for M pox can help in preventing infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Generally, M pox is a self-limiting disease. The symptoms improve on their own in two to four weeks. After making a diagnosis, your doctor will keep an eye on your conditions, treat your symptoms, prevent dehydration, and prescribe medication to treat any secondary bacterial infections that may arise.
The M pox is primarily transmitted through close contact, such as kissing and intercourse. Getting vaccinated if you're at high risk, avoiding contact with infected people, washing your hands frequently, and wearing a face mask in crowded indoor areas are the best ways to protect yourself. Fever, chills, and body aches are among the flu-like early signs of M pox. A rash will appear after a few days. If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor.
Choose Dr. B. Lal Lab for getting tested for M pox infection if you think you are exposed to it. Book your test now and know about your health accurately.
Q1: For how much time does M-pox disease last?
A: Generally starting one to three weeks after exposure, M pox symptoms can appear in one to 21 days after exposure. A person with a compromised immune system may experience symptoms for longer than the usual duration of 2-4 weeks.
Q2: Is M pox considered a sexually transmitted infection?
A: Research evidence points that sexual transmission is the primary mode of M pox virus transmission. But it can be transmitted with other close contacts also.
Q3: How is monkeypox tested?
A: A PCR test for the monkeypox virus (MPXV) on a viral swab obtained from one or more vesicles or ulcers is used to diagnose M pox.
Add Tests & Packages