Skin rash and fever, symptoms common to both monkeypox and chickenpox, have confused people even though doctors have emphasized that there is a difference in how the symptoms of both diseases caused by the virus present in the patient.
They have also advised to consult a doctor to clear any doubts.
Monkeypox is a viral smallpox (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in previous smallpox patients, although the disease is less severe. more clinically important.
Dr. Ramanjit Singh, Dr. Ramanjit Singh, consultant, dermatology department, Medanta Hospital, said that during the rainy season, people are more susceptible to the virus, and chickenpox cases are mostly detected during the rainy season. This period along with other infections also presents with symptoms such as rash and nausea.
“In light of this situation, some patients are confusing and confusing chickenpox with monkey pox. Patients can determine if they have monkeypox by understanding the sequence and onset of symptoms,” Singh said.
Explaining further, he said monkeypox usually starts with fever, malaise, headache, sometimes sore throat and cough, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and all of these symptoms appear four days Before skin lesions, rashes and other problems mainly start in the hands and eyes and spread to the whole body.
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Other experts agree and say that in addition to the skin manifestations, monkeypox also has other symptoms, but it is better to consult your doctor to clear any doubts.
In a few recently reported cases, two suspected cases of monkeypox turned out to be chickenpox.
A suspected case of monkeypox was admitted to LNJP hospital in Delhi last week with fever and lesions, tested negative for the infection but diagnosed with chickenpox. Similarly, an Ethiopian citizen who went to Bengaluru was tested for chickenpox after he developed symptoms but his report confirmed that he had chickenpox.
So far, India has reported 4 cases of monkeypox, 3 in Kerala and 1 in Delhi.
“In monkeypox, the lesions are larger than in chickenpox,” said Dr. Satish Koul, Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute. In monkeypox, lesions are seen on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In chickenpox, lesions are self-limited after seven to eight days but not in monkeypox. Lesions are blisters and itch like chickenpox. In monkeypox, the lesions are large blisters and do not itch. Koul also reported a longer duration of fever in monkeypox and that one such patient had enlarged lymph nodes.
Dr SCL Gupta, medical director of Batra Hospital, said chickenpox is a non-serious RNA virus but it also leads to a rash on the skin.
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“This is the season of chickenpox. Usually, during the monsoon period, there is this wetness, rising temperatures, waterlogging, moisture formation and wet clothes, all of which lead to the growth of viruses.
“Also, there is a religious aspect to this disease. People regard it as a ‘goddess’ and so such patients are not treated with any drugs. They are kept in isolation and given time to heal,” he said.
Speaking of monkeypox, Gupta explained that the virus requires an animal host but is self-limited with a raised throat, fever, and normal viral signs.
“The main sign of this virus is a rash on the body with fluid inside. This leads to a viral infection that weakens the body’s resistance. But the problem arises due to its complexity. In case, any bacteria get infected and get blisters and lead to blisters leading to more serious complications for the body.
“Currently, monkeypox is in its juvenile stage. We don’t have a proper treatment. We only follow the method of isolating and treating suspected patients according to their symptoms. If we have a throat infection, we use the usual medicines that we normally take. So this is a case of symptomatic treatment,” he said.
Doctors have also been asked whether a previous infection with chickenpox makes a patient immune to chickenpox, the answer is no.
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Dr Rajinder Kumar Singal, Senior Director & HOD, Department of Internal Medicine, BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi, said both are caused by different viruses, different modes of transmission and previous infection. that does not guarantee any protection against new viruses.
However, people who have been vaccinated against smallpox are less likely to get smallpox, he asserts.
“The smallpox vaccine was discontinued after the World Health Organization said the disease was completely eradicated around 1979-1980. People born before 1980 who received the smallpox vaccine are less likely to get smallpox. Both smallpox and monkeypox are caused by viruses from the same family,” added Singhal.
Due to the similarity between smallpox and monkeypox, many countries have authorized the ‘smallpox’ vaccine but in India it is not yet approved.
Gupta added: “The virus is in its juvenile stage and doctors are still figuring it out.
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