The monkeypox outbreak has shown no sign of slowing down, as case numbers have risen to 7,600 in more than 50 countries. With a growing infection rate, new symptoms of the disease have been reported, ones are not typically associated with monkeypox.
As of July 8, the UK reported 1,552 confirmed cases, including 1,482 in England, 41 in Scotland, 11 in Northern Ireland and 18 in Wales. Its most recent strain is mutating faster than expected, as scientists warn it may have been circulating since 2018.
Since then, experts say monkeypox has mutated 12 times more than the expected rate. With the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions, as well as multiple summer festivals due to take place, case numbers are predicted to rise further as people mix through the season.
With this news, it is important to be aware of all warning signs of the virus. Here is everything you need to know about monkeypox, including the latest symptoms, as reported by the Mirror.
Monkeypox unusual symptoms
According to the study, unusual symptoms of monkeypox may include:
- Fatigue or lethargy (reported by 67%)
- Fever (18%)
- Skin lesions (94%)
- Swelling lymph nodes (55%)
According to the NHS, it takes about five to 21 days for the first monkeypox signs to appear. When it comes to the characteristic rash, it usually crops up between one to five days after the initial symptoms.
The rash might often begin on your face, spreading to other parts of the body as well as your genitals. Being similar to chickenpox, the rash starts with raised spots which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually fall off.
Where did monkeypox come from?
Historically, human monkeypox virus cases in the UK have been limited to imported infections from west Africa. Currently, the UK and several other countries are reporting a rapid increase in monkeypox cases among individuals attending sexual health clinics.
In a study published in the Lancet, symptoms and clinical characteristics of monkeypox virus cases in individuals attending a sexual health centre in London were further investigated.
In the study, patients with confirmed monkeypox virus infection via PCR detection attending open-access sexual health clinics in London between May 14 and May 25 2022 were analysed.
Monkeypox virus infection was confirmed in 54 individuals, all identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM), with a median age of 41 years.
The study found that 38 (70%) of 54 individuals were white, 26 (48%) were born in the UK, and 13 (24%) were living with HIV. One in four patients had a concurrent STI.
How long does monkeypox last?
Monkeypox usually does not require intervention or treatment, with most people remaining in isolation during their illness. The disease spreads via bodily fluids, including liquid from ruptured pox, blood and mucus.
Mild infections should subside after a few weeks without treatment, but severe cases may warrant intervention like hospitalisation.
