"Monkeypox: What It Is and How It Compares to COVID-19"

 

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the virus that causes smallpox. It mostly occurs in Central and West Africa, but there have been outbreaks in other parts of the world.

Key Points:

Symptoms: Monkeypox causes fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash turns into blisters and scabs.

How It Spreads: The virus can spread from animals to people through contact with an infected animal’s fluids or sores. It can also spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person’s sores, or contaminated items.

Severity: Monkeypox is usually milder than smallpox. Most people recover within a few weeks, but it can be more serious for children and those with weakened immune systems.

Has WHO Declared It a Pandemic?

No, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared monkeypox a pandemic. However, in July 2022, WHO did declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) because the disease was spreading rapidly in areas where it is not usually found.

Is It Worse Than COVID-19?

Spread: COVID-19 spreads much more easily than monkeypox, mainly through the air.

Severity: COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory problems and has a higher death rate, especially in older adults and people with health issues. Monkeypox is generally less severe and most people recover without serious complications.

Impact: COVID-19 has had a much larger global impact, with far more cases and deaths, as well as greater disruptions to daily life.

In short, while monkeypox is a serious illness, it is not as widespread or severe as COVID-19, and WHO has not labeled it as a pandemic.