New symptoms of monkeypox discovered in a study

The monkeypox disease has now been detected in more than 80 countries, accounting for over 17,000 cases worldwide. A global health emergency has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), warning people against complacency and negligence.

Researchers have found two other symptoms of monkeypox that were previously not known to be typical features of the illness while healthcare professionals and scientists continue to research how the monkeypox virus spreads and whether it is a sexually transmitted disease.

197 monkeypox patients in the UK were studied in a study published in the British Medical Journal. To find out how monkeypox has changed since the last outbreak, the team of researchers found that the current outbreak causes new symptoms in addition to classic monkeypox symptoms.

The study included 71 patients with rectal pain, 33 with sore throats, 31 with penile edema, and 27 with oral lesions; however, 22 had solitary lesions and 9 had enlarged tonsils. However, the authors called attention to several limitations, including the observational nature of the study, the variability in medical records, and the fact that their patients were from one hospital.

The study confirmed that monkeypox is mainly spread by gay or bisexual men who have sex with other men. In the study, solitary lesions were discovered as a new symptom. Solitary lesions are typically small, localized skin lesions that may be harmless (warts) or life-threatening (melanoma).

That said, a solitary lesion associated with monkeypox can be misdiagnosed and treated for the wrong condition including syphilis and other STIs.Swollen tonsils and solitary lesions were also reported by patients in the study, which were not previously known to be typical features of monkeypox infection.

Related: In Northeast Ohio, monkeypox cases are on the rise

As of now, the classic and tell-tale symptoms of monkeypox include: Fever, Headache, Muscle and joint pain, Backache, Swollen lymph nodes, Rashes, and FatigueMonkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal skin-to-skin contact, including.

A monkeypox rash, scab, or body fluid from a monkeypox patient.The act of touching objects, fabrics (clothes, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone who has monkeypox.

Respiratory secretions come into contact with the skin. Indulging in sexual activity, such as hugging and kissing, is discouraged by the US health agency. Limiting close and direct contact with monkeypox patients is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease.

Apart from that, keep your distance from people who are showing typical monkeypox symptoms. When a person has a rash on their skin that hasn't been cleared by their healthcare provider, the CDC recommends avoiding sex with them. In addition, patients infected with the virus should not share clothing, bedding, or other accessories.