Is fever, rashes, and sore throat after playing with pets a sign of monkey pox?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend, who stays next door, has suddenly developed a fever, skin rashes, a headache, and a sore throat. The rashes are spreading as well. She used to play a lot with pets. Did she catch any infection from them? I read online, and the symptoms seem to be similar to monkey pox. How can we confirm if this is indeed due to monkey pox? Additionally, is the disease treatable? What precautions should we take to avoid contracting this infection? Please provide guidance.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understood your concern. You can only confirm if it is monkeypox by having the patient go to the hospital and undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) examination that confirms the diagnosis. The patient needs to be thoroughly investigated first because there are many diseases that can mimic the rash of monkeypox, including chickenpox and others from the same family. Monkeypox is not typically an aggressive disease, but the patient should be isolated and avoid contact with people, including those they live with until there have been no new rashes appearing for 24 hours, or until the existing rash has crusted and dried off. If you have close contact with this patient, please observe for any new rashes. Monkeypox is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, droplets, or sexual activity. I suggest you avoid contact with the suspected case until they make a full recovery and receive a confirmed diagnosis for the cause of their symptoms.

I hope I have answered your questions and provided reassurance. Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions or express any concerns.

Stay safe.

Thanks and regards.