Is Monkeypox Deadly? Here’s What Experts Say

Monkeypox, also known as monkeypox or mpox in English, is an infectious disease caused by a virus called Orthopoxvirus.

According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), this can cause painful rashes in different parts of the body, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, as well as other symptoms. According to internist Stuardo Batres, the symptoms last approximately two to four weeks.

Although some people recover quickly, others can become seriously ill. Experts say the most vulnerable groups are children, the elderly, and people with immune system diseases.  

Recently, the WHO announced the presence of a new strain of the virus: clade 1b. According to the world body, this is one of the most dangerous variants of the disease.

Is monkeypox deadly?

“ Monkeypox can be fatal if the patient is immunocompromised, which could put the person at risk of not being diagnosed in time and not receiving medical treatment.

On the other hand, several experts agree that the clade 1b variant is more dangerous than others. According to Batres, virus strains mutate to survive the human body’s defenses. “When viruses evolve, there are always strains that will be stronger than the previous ones,” says the specialist.

Although the disease is rare worldwide, the professional mentions that in Central Africa it has become an epidemic that has caused approximately five to 15 thousand deaths.

How is monkeypox spread?

Batres mentions that it is a disease that can be transmitted by direct contact with infected people: through the skin, sexual transmission (intercourse without a condom), and other related routes.

In this regard, Dr. López adds that this is due to the secretion of seminal or vaginal fluids. He also indicates that the main route of infection is contact with the lesions of an infected person.

Other experts also point out that this disease spreads through saliva and contact with infected objects such as sheets, clothes, and towels, among others. There may also be zoonotic contagion. That is when a human being has contact with an infected animal.

Symptoms of monkeypox

According to several specialists, the most frequent symptoms are headaches, muscle pain, fever, skin rashes in various areas of the body including the genitals and anal area, and inflammation of the lymph nodes, among others .

If you have any symptoms, you must contact your doctor or the corresponding authorities. Although several doctors from the public and private sectors say that there are still no reported cases in our country, they do recommend that the corresponding precautions be taken, especially for those who are close to people who have recently traveled to other countries.

Another recommendation is to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of other diseases. Batres mentions that currently several cases of COVID-19, influenza, and dengue are being reported in the world, so we must strictly follow the protocols established by national and international health authorities.

How to prevent monkeypox?

• Wash your hands properly.
• Use a surgical mask if necessary.
• Limit contact with infected people.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• If you come into contact with contaminated objects, you can wash them with hot water and other implements. Don’t forget to wear gloves.  
• If you notice any unusual symptoms such as rash, swelling, or others, try to isolate yourself and consult the relevant local authorities.
• Stay tuned for communications from official institutions such as the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and other health authorities.