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Blog Post

Mpox Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Peace Oregbesan

Monkeypox, often abbreviated as Mpox, is a viral disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash. While less common than some other viral illnesses, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention promptly. Let’s delve into understanding the symptoms and diagnosis of Mpox.

Symptoms

Mpox symptoms typically start with:

  1. Fever: A sudden onset of fever, often accompanied by chills and body aches, is common in Mpox infections.
  2. Headache and Muscle Pain: Individuals may experience headaches and muscle pain, similar to symptoms of the flu.
  3. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or fatigued is another hallmark symptom of Mpox.
  4. Rash: One of the distinguishing features of Mpox is the development of a rash.  The mpox rash begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and evolves over 2-4 weeks in stages.  starts as raised bumps and progresses to fluid-filled blisters, similar to chickenpox.
  5. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, groin, or armpit, may occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Mpox typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

  1. Clinical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess the symptoms presented by the patient, including fever, rash, and other associated complaints.
  2. Laboratory Tests: To confirm Mpox, laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture may be conducted. These tests involve collecting samples from the rash, blood, or respiratory secretions for analysis.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing Mpox involves practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with animals that may carry the virus, and getting vaccinated if traveling to areas where Mpox is prevalent.

Treatment for Mpox is primarily supportive, focusing on alleviating symptoms. This may include antiviral medications in severe cases, but there is no specific antiviral therapy available for Mpox.

In conclusion, understanding the symptoms and diagnosis of Mpox is crucial for timely intervention and management of the disease. If you suspect you or someone you know may have Mpox, seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and care.