What is Monkeypox: Symptoms, Causes, and Transmission

27/02/2025Blogs

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox is a viral infection that has gained global attention due to its increasing outbreaks. While it was once considered a rare disease confined to certain regions, recent cases have highlighted the importance of understanding how monkeypox spreads and what symptoms to watch for.

Many people wonder, “Is monkeypox contagious?” or whether it is similar to smallpox. Since early detection plays a key role in stopping monkeypox transmission, it’s important to recognize the warning signs, risk factors, and how to minimize exposure.

This article explains what monkeypox is, its symptoms, causes, and how it spreads, helping you stay informed and take the right precautions.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, the same group that includes smallpox. Though monkeypox is related to smallpox, it is generally less severe and less contagious.

Originally discovered in monkeys in 1958, the first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, outbreaks have occurred in various parts of the world, spreading through human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission.

Types of Monkeypox:

There are two distinct genetic strains of the monkeypox virus, also referred to as clades:

1. Clade I (formerly Central African Clade) – Historically found in Central Africa, this strain has been associated with more severe infections and higher transmission rates. Cases from this clade have shown a higher likelihood of complications. Clade I is further divided into subtypes Ia and Ib.
2. Clade II (formerly West African Clade) – Typically found in West Africa and associated with milder illness, lower transmission rates, and fewer complications. This clade has been responsible for most recent global outbreaks. It is further classified into subtypes IIa and IIb, with Clade IIb linked to the 2022–2023 global mpox outbreak that spread beyond Africa to multiple countries worldwide.

Key facts about monkeypox:

• It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans.
• The virus is primarily found in Central and West Africa, but global outbreaks have been reported.
• Unlike smallpox, monkeypox symptoms are milder, though complications can arise in certain individuals.
• There are vaccines for mpox. Vaccination should be considered along with other public health interventions.
• Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care, prevention of secondary infections and treatment of co-infections, including HIV where present.

Monkeypox Symptoms: What to Look Out For

Mpox symptoms usually appear within a week of exposure but can range from 1 to 21 days to develop. The infection occurs in two stages:

Early symptoms (Prodromal stage):

• Fever (often the first sign)
• Fatigue and body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes (a key feature that differentiates monkeypox from smallpox)
• Chills and sweating
• Headache

Rash Development

A few days after fever begins, a rash appears, which progresses through different stages:

• Flat spots (macules) form on the face, hands, and body.
• These turn into raised bumps (papules) before filling with fluid (vesicles).
• The vesicles become pustules before scabbing over and eventually healing.
• The entire process lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

The rash may start on the face and spread to the palms, soles, and other body parts, including the genital area. Unlike chickenpox, where all lesions appear at different stages, mpox lesions typically evolve simultaneously.

Although mpox is usually mild, severe cases can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women. Complications such as secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis, can arise. In rare instances, untreated infections may escalate into sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that requires urgent medical attention.

What Causes Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated objects.

Animal-to-Human Transmission

The virus is primarily found in rodents, monkeys, and other wild animals. Humans can get infected through:

• Bites or scratches from infected animals
• Eating undercooked meat from infected wildlife
• Direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids, or lesions

Human-to-Human Transmission

Although less contagious than smallpox, monkeypox can spread from person to person through:

• Prolonged close contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets.
• Touching contaminated objects, such as bedding, towels, or clothing used by an infected individual.
• Exposure to respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing in close, prolonged contact (e.g., household contacts or healthcare workers).

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated objects, or animal exposure. Knowing how mpox spreads helps reduce transmission and lowers the risk of further cases. Here are some of the ways mpox spreads:

1.Direct Contact Transmission

The most common way monkeypox spreads is through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rash, sores, or bodily fluids. This includes:

• Physical touch (hugging, kissing, or close interaction).
• Contact with an infected individual’s open sores or blisters.

2. Respiratory Droplet Transmission

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is not an airborne virus that spreads easily. However, it can be transmitted through large respiratory droplets when a person has prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected individual.

Healthcare workers and household members caring for an infected person without protective measures are at a higher risk of exposure.

3. Contaminated Surfaces & Objects

Monkeypox can linger on contaminated objects, such as:

• Bed linens, towels, and clothing of an infected person
• Utensils and personal items
• Medical equipment if not properly disinfected

The virus remains stable in the environment for extended periods, making it crucial to disinfect surfaces regularly.

4. Animal-to-Human Spread

As mentioned earlier, direct exposure to infected wild animals (through bites, scratches, or handling raw meat) can introduce the virus to humans.

Who is Most at Risk?

Certain individuals are more susceptible to mpox complications, including:

• People with weakened immune systems due to underlying conditions or medical treatments
• Children under the age of 8
• Pregnant individuals, as the virus can potentially affect fetal development
• Healthcare workers exposed to infected patients without proper protective measures
• Individuals in close-contact environments such as shared housing, healthcare facilities, or communities with high interaction levels

Monkeypox vs. Smallpox: Understanding the Differences

Since monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same virus family, many people assume they are the same disease. However, there are key differences:

One major distinction is that monkeypox causes swollen lymph nodes, which smallpox did not. Additionally, smallpox had a higher mortality rate and was declared eradicated in 1980 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts.

Final Thoughts,

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has gained attention due to recent outbreaks, making awareness more important than ever. Although most cases are mild, some individuals face higher risks, which is why early detection and responsible precautions matter. Knowing how the virus spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical advice helps prevent unnecessary complications.

Simple measures such as maintaining hygiene, limiting exposure to infected individuals, and following health recommendations can lower the chances of infection. As research continues to improve testing and treatment, better tools are becoming available to manage cases effectively. Staying informed and taking preventive steps can make a difference in keeping communities safer.