Monkey-pox, is a viral zoonosis, which means that it is caused by a virus that is transmitted to people through wild animals, such as rodents or primates. However, it has limited secondary spread through person-to-person transmission, the World Health Organization mentions. On this occasion, Dr. Julio Cachay, internist and specialist in infectious diseases at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information.

Form of transmission

There are two forms of transmission: from animals to people or from person to person.

As mentioned above, the main animals that carry the virus are primates and rodents. To avoid contagion, protection should be used when in direct contact with wild animals, either because they are sick or dead.

On the other hand, when the spread is from person to person, they are highly contagious when symptoms are present during the first four weeks. One person can infect another through physical contact or with contaminated objects, be it clothing, utensils, among others.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease appear as it progresses. The initial symptoms are:

• Fever
• Muscular or musculoskeletal pain
• Flu
• General discomfort
• Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

After the fever, the rash appears, characterized by the presence of vesicular lesions that generally appear on the face, arms and legs. They have a duration of 7 to 10 days of eruptions and then 7 days to dry.

Diagnosis

First, the specialist will rule out the possibility of other similar diseases such as measles, chickenpox, allergies, syphilis, among others with similar characteristics. After that, the doctor will perform the necessary laboratory tests and together with the information provided by the patient, a timely diagnosis will be made.

Treatment

In these cases, it is recommended that the affected person stay well hydrated, at rest and in isolation, thus preventing the spread of the virus.

Dr. Julio Cachay
Internist and Specialist in Infectious Diseases at Clinica Ricardo Palma