The spread of the monkeypox virus has led to the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring a global emergency. This comes as more than 70 countries are now experiencing a "extraordinary situation."
While the number of confirmed cases in the UK continues to rise, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if you think you or your child may have caught the virus.
It's helpful to know what to look out for and be aware of the differences between the monkeypox virus and chickenpox which is a common childhood illness. Both of these viruses leave rashes, so it's important to be able to tell them apart, Mirror reports.
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There are several key differences between the two. Here's all you need to know:
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
It can take anywhere between five and 21 days for the first symptoms of monkeypox to appear.
The first symptoms, according to the NHS, are:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering (chills)
- Exhaustion
A rash will also usually appear after one to five days of the first symptom. This will often start on the face, before spreading to other parts of the body, including genitals and anus.
Chickenpox symptoms
The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash which can appear anywhere on the body. This usually happens in three stages – first small spots appear, then the spots become blisters and then they become scabs.
Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, a high temperature, generally feeling unwell and aches and pains.
The difference between monkeypox and chickenpox
The most important difference is that they are caused by different viruses. Monkeypox comes from the orthopox virus, while chickenpox comes from the varicella zoster virus, which also causes shingles.
Chickenpox causes an itchy, spotty rash and is common among children. Whilst it mostly affects children, it can be caught at any age.
Monkeypox also causes a rash and it can sometimes be confused with chickenpox. Monkeypox rashes start as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These usually form scabs and then fall off.
Both viruses can be spread through direct contact with skin lesions and recently contaminated objects, or close contact due to respiratory droplets. Dr Nighat Arif, a GP and TV personality, has said that it is possible to tell the difference between the symptoms.
For example, you might find your child's "temperature will be higher with monkeypox, and they may complain of backache, lower leg aches, chills, and very tender glands around their neck”.
She added that the “blisters are bigger [with monkeypox]. The chances of them having it are very slim if they haven’t travelled or been in close contact with someone who has."
What to do if you or your child has monkeypox/chickenpox
If your child has a rash with blisters and has been in contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox, or has been to west or central Africa in the past three weeks, you should ring your GP.
You should be sure to ring the GP before visiting and stay at home and avoid close contact with other people. You should avoid sharing towels or bedding.
If you have, or suspect your child has chickenpox, the infected person needs to stay away from school, nursery or work until the spots have formed a scab. For chickenpox, this is usually five days after the spots first appeared.
If you're not sure it's chickenpox, or if the skin around the blisters is hot, painful or red, you should always speak to your GP.
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