Monkeypox Virus: Symptoms of monkeypox look like flu, know which test confirms it

 Monkeypox Virus: Symptoms of monkeypox look like flu, know which test confirms it

Mpox Diagnosis: PCR test is mainly done to confirm monkeypox. In this test, the virus is detected from the wound sample

As of June 12, 2024, according to the World Health Organization, 97,281 cases of monkeypox have been reported. So far, 208 people have lost their lives due to this virus in 116 countries. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans. The monkeypox virus was first found in monkeys kept for research in 1958, which led to its name monkeypox. The monkeypox virus can spread by biting, scratching or coming in contact with the body fluids of an infected animal. Eating the meat of an infected animal can also cause infection. The virus also spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, skin lesions or infected clothing and bedding. Due to sneezing or coughing, the infection can spread from one person to another, although it requires prolonged close contact. Talking about the symptoms of monkeypox, in the initial symptoms, the person feels symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, chills and fatigue. After 1-3 days of fever, rashes start appearing on the body, which start from the face and spread throughout the body. Monkeypox is tested when these symptoms are seen. In this article, we will know which tests are done to confirm monkeypox. For better information on this subject, we spoke to Dr. Rajesh Harshvardhan, HOD of Hospital Management at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. If you are feeling the symptoms of monkeypox, then you should contact the doctor. PCR test is done to confirm monkeypox. PCR test is also called polymerase chain reaction test. PCR test is considered the most reliable method to confirm monkeypox. In this test, samples are taken from skin lesions and tested. The fluid coming out of the rash is taken out and the presence of DNA of monkeypox virus is checked in it. Before the PCR test, the doctor examines the symptoms of the patient. Talking about the symptoms of monkeypox, it includes fever, headache, skin rash, muscle pain, swelling in lymph nodes etc. A scab also starts forming in the rash. Identification of rashes starting from the face and spreading to other parts of the body is important in clinical examination. In monkeypox diagnosis, the doctor takes information about the patient's history and travel history. In some cases, blood test is also done to confirm monkeypox and serology test is also done to detect antibodies.

Anti-viral medicines treat monkeypox

At present, there is no exact medicine available for the treatment of monkeypox. However, anti-viral medicines are used to control the symptoms of monkeypox. Antiviral medicines target the specific protein of monkeypox and reduce its effect. Antiviral drugs inhibit the ability of the virus's DNA to multiply and thus stop the spread of the virus. Antiviral drugs reduce the intensity of monkeypox symptoms, such as skin rashes, fever and pain. In patients with weak immunity or serious illness, antiviral drugs can prove to be life-saving. Antiviral drugs should be used only under the advice and supervision of a doctor. Apart from anti-viral drugs for the treatment of monkeypox, paracetamol is also given to reduce fever. Apart from this, antibiotics are also used if bacterial infection occurs in the skin lesions. Doctors advise the patient to consume adequate amounts of fluids and essential nutrients when monkeypox occurs.

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