Signs and Symptoms of “Monkey pox”
Monkey pox virus can be transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal. Monkey pox virus can be transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
Initial signs and symptoms of the monkey pox virus include the following:
- high temperature fever
- severe headache
- specific rashes
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
- Muscle and body aches
- Profound weakness
According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period of the monkey pox can range from 5 to 21 days. 1-3 days (sometimes longer) after the onset of high fever, the patient evolves a specific rash, usually starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. In some patients, the rash may also evolve sequentially to the genitalia, eyes, and mucous membranes of the mouth.
Due to the similarity of rashes, the monkey pox can be confused with chicken pox. Unlike other members of the smallpox virus family, the monkey pox virus causes lymph node enlargement (lymphadenopathy). Depending on the severity of the disease, the rash disappears completely within 2-4 weeks.
Currently, the chicken pox virus is also widespread. PCR analysis can be used to differentiate chickenpox virus from monkey pox.
You can take the Monkey pox PCR test visiting Referans Clinical Laboratory Center and Polyclinic.