Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is similar to smallpox. The first case of monkeypox in India was confirmed on July 14 in Kerala. This is the first time that monkeypox has been reported in India.
The health minister of Kerala has announced that a person in the state has been diagnosed with monkey pox, a rare viral infection. The person had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, and had come into contact with another person who had the virus. The person’s samples were sent to a national laboratory in Pune, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease and can be spread through contact with an infected animal or person. The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. Monkeypox is a serious disease and can be fatal in some cases.
Get the latest on monkeypox: key symptoms to watch for
The key symptoms of monkeypox are fever, rash, and lymph node swelling. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is similar to smallpox. It is found primarily in Central and West Africa. The virus is spread from contact with an infected animal, usually a monkey or rodent. It can also be spread from contact with an infected person. The incubation period is usually 7-14 days.
The first symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, and chills. This is followed by the development of a rash, which starts as small red bumps and progresses to large blister-like lesions. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Lymph node swelling is also common.
Monkeypox is generally a mild illness but can be severe in some cases. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the virus is usually self-limited and will resolve on its own. supportive care, such as hydration and pain relief, is important. There is a vaccine available for smallpox, which may offer some protection against monkeypox.
How long does it take for symptoms to show after infection?
Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease that usually lasts for two to four weeks. The incubation period for monkeypox is usually 7-14 days, but it can range from 5-21 days. The Health Ministry notes that the period of communicability is “1-2 days before the rash until all the scabs fall off/get subsided”.
How does the disease progress?
Phases of monkeypox: The disease progresses through four different phases, with the first being the invasion period between 0-5 days. This is characterized by fever, headache, and swelling of the lymph nodes. The swelling of the lymph nodes is a key distinguishing symptom of monkeypox, as opposed to similar diseases like measles and chickenpox.
Patients with this condition may experience generalized weakness or lack of energy
Skin eruptions usually show up within two days of fever, and are more concentrated on the face in 95 per cent of cases. The rash is also found in the palm and sole of the feet in 75 per cent of cases, and can affect the oral mucous membrane, conjunctiva, cornea of the eye, and genital area.
The skin eruption stage of the disease can last for up to 4 weeks, during which time the lesions on the skin will harden and become painful. They will fill up with fluid, and then develop scabs or crusts. Patients should watch out for pain in the eyes or blurring of vision, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output.
Monkeypox: What is the treatment?
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the disease can be treated with supportive care. This involves providing relief from the symptoms and complications of the disease. Treatment may include:
-Fluids to prevent dehydration
-Pain relief
-Antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections
-Antiviral drugs may be used in some cases
In severe cases of monkeypox, patients may need to be hospitalized. Treatment in the hospital may include:
-Intravenous fluids
-Oxygen therapy
-Mechanical ventilation
-Antibiotics
-Antiviral drugs
