Volgograd told how to distinguish monkeypox from other infections
Doctor of Biological Sciences, Head of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Man and Animals of the Faculty of Biology of the A. I. Herzen RSPU Ekaterin Nikitina explained what signs should be paid attention to when suspected monkeypox.
The monkeypox virus belongs to the group of orthopoxviruses. At an early stage, the disease is often mistaken for an ordinary respiratory disease: the patient has a temperature above 38 degrees, chills appear, weakness increases, muscle pain is disturbed - the symptoms are very similar to influenza or SARS. However, there is a nuance that helps to suspect not an ordinary cold - this is an increase in lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). According to the expert, such a sign in typical respiratory infections is rare, and monkeypox is characteristic.
Another indicative symptom is the specific nature of the rashes. Externally, the rash may resemble manifestations of chickenpox, but an experienced look will notice the differences. With monkey smallpox, rashes often appear on the hands, feet, most often on the back of these parts of the body, while for chickenpox this picture is unusual. This sign, according to the biologist, should be an occasion to seriously think about a possible diagnosis.
Ekaterina Nikitina emphasizes: if a person notices such rashes, especially on the back surface of the hands and feet, you need to immediately consult a doctor. At the same time, it is important not to panic, but also not to ignore the alarming symptoms: awareness helps to take action in time.
Speaking about the severity of the disease, the expert gives an estimate of mortality at the level of 3-5%. At the same time, she notes the spread of data in different sources – from 1 to 10%, but considers the most realistic range of 3-5%. According to the expert, the mortality rate cannot be called high, but cases of fatalities are indeed recorded.
