kissing, or sexual contact.
Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox does not spread as easily. People are typically considered contagious only when symptoms appear.
What Are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox symptoms generally appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and develop in two stages:
- Early Symptoms (Similar to Flu-like Symptoms):
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (a key symptom distinguishing monkeypox from smallpox)
- Rash Phase:
- A rash develops within a few days after fever and often:
- Starts on the face and spreads to the body
- Appears on the palms and soles
- Progresses through stages: spots → bumps → blisters → pustules → scabs
- Can be painful or itchy
The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Most people recover fully, but monkeypox can be more serious for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
