2024-08-22 17:44:46
Monkeypox has initial symptoms similar to other viruses, such as fever, headache and malaise. However, a distinctive sign is swollen lymph nodes, which usually appear before the characteristic rash. This swollen lymph nodes, which can be painful, is a key sign to seek medical attention, as it differentiates this virus from other respiratory conditions.
The incubation period for monkeypox varies between 7 and 14 days, although in some cases it can be extended to 21 days. During this time, people can spread the virus unknowingly. Symptoms include skin rashes, especially in the genital area, that develop from spots to pus-filled blisters. These rashes can also appear on the face, hands, feet and mouth, indicating the second phase of the disease.
The virus can be transmitted from animal to human or between humans. Infection occurs mainly through bodily fluids, contact with skin lesions or oral transmission, so it is recommended to avoid close contact in risk areas. The clothing and bed sheets of infected people can also be a source of infection, although with less risk than direct contact with lesions.
In Argentina, the registered cases belong to genetic clade II, which is less severe than the one that predominates in Central Africa. This clade is mainly linked to sexual transmission, and during the 2022 outbreak, it mostly affected men who have sex with men. Although less lethal than clade I, it is important to take precautions, as it still represents a risk of contagion and spread.