Mpox Virus: The mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, has caused concern in the medical community. Although it hasn’t reached India yet, the government and health agencies are taking it seriously and are working on prevention. After a case of monkeypox was found in Pakistan, the Indian government has become more active. The World Health Organization has also issued a health alert about the virus. It is important for everyone to understand the symptoms and get tested if needed.
What Are the Symptoms?
Dr. Charudutt Arora explains that if someone gets infected with the mpox virus, they may experience severe body pain, muscle stiffness, and high fever with shivering. Common viral symptoms like cold, cough, and runny nose can also appear with mpox.
A specific symptom of mpox is swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to inflammation. Additionally, the person may develop rash-like spots on their body similar to smallpox. These spots usually start in the mouth and then spread across the body. They may be filled with fluid and can be painful.
According to Dr. Arora, rashes typically appear 7 to 10 days after the fever starts.
How to Identify Mpox Virus?
In the beginning, the symptoms of mpox can be similar to those of a common viral infection: cold, cough, body pain, and fever. This makes it hard to distinguish between a common virus and mpox. If a person with viral fever has traveled recently or has been in contact with someone who has monkeypox, the chance of mpox infection increases.
How to Prevent Mpox?
Dr. Arora advises that people with viral fever symptoms and recent travel history should isolate themselves immediately. Mpox has an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, during which the infection can spread. So, travelers should stay in isolation for about three weeks.
How is Mpox Diagnosed?
To diagnose mpox, doctors use clinical diagnosis methods and may test body fluids to confirm the infection.
