What is monkeypox, and what are its symptoms?
Nov 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Generally, monkeypox presents symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, rash, and so on. If suspected monkeypox symptoms occur, one should seek medical attention immediately and receive professional diagnosis and treatment. In daily life, it is important to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, maintain good hygiene practices, and wash hands frequently to prevent infection.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Generally, monkeypox presents symptoms such as fever, headache, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), myalgia (muscle pain), and rash.
1. Fever: After the monkeypox virus infects the body, the immune system responds to the virus by releasing inflammatory mediators, thereby causing changes in the body's temperature regulation center and resulting in fever.
2. Headache: The inflammatory response and fever caused by the viral infection lead to cerebral vasodilation and nerve stimulation, thus triggering headaches.
3. Lymphadenopathy: The monkeypox virus replicates within local lymph nodes, triggering an immune response. Lymphocytes and other immune cells accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
4. Myalgia: The immune response triggered by the viral infection releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins. These mediators increase the sensitivity of pain receptors in the muscles and cause localized inflammatory reactions, resulting in muscle pain.
5. Rash: The rash usually appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. It initially develops on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body such as the limbs and trunk. The rash can present in various forms. It may initially appear as flat, red spots, which then develop into papules (small, solid bumps), and these papules gradually turn into vesicles (blisters).
If symptoms resembling monkeypox occur, immediate medical attention should be sought for professional diagnosis and treatment to alleviate symptoms. In daily life, one should avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, maintain good hygiene practices, and wash hands frequently to prevent monkeypox virus infection.
