Until the spring of 2022, monkeypox was a disease that very few Danes had heard of. Suddenly, cases of monkeypox appeared in Denmark and other European countries, and this triggered many questions. Not least about how monkeypox is transmitted and whether there is reason for concern. Here you will find answers to the very basic questions plus good advice on how to relieve the symptoms if you become infected.
Where does monkeypox come from?
The disease comes from animals. It is believed to have originated from rodents, which then spread to monkeys, who both gave the disease its name and spread it to humans. There are two types of monkeypox, both of which come from Africa.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral disease related to the smallpox virus. It is less severe than smallpox, and people who have been vaccinated against smallpox are thought to have some immunity to monkeypox.
Symptoms of monkeypox
At first, monkeypox can resemble any other viral infection. You will get:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
After 1-3 days, a rash appears, which turns into blisters and sores, which eventually crust over and fall off. The blisters often start on the face, but can also start around the genitals. The entire body can be affected by the blisters.
Monkeypox is similar to chickenpox: How to tell the difference
Monkeypox may resemble chickenpox because of the blisters, but there are two important differences.
- All blisters are in the same stage – i.e. come all at once – while chickenpox comes in waves, so there are both new blisters and scabs.
- Lymph node swelling (swollen lymph nodes) is often a symptom that occurs in association with monkeypox and not with chickenpox.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Viral diseases such as colds, flu and Corona are transmitted both through the air and through direct contact with the virus. This is not the case with monkeypox. Monkeypox is not transmitted through the air, so the disease is less contagious. Monkeypox is transmitted by:
- Direct – via physical contact with fluid from the blisters on the skin and/or in the respiratory tract that occur during monkeypox infection
- Indirectly – via contact with, for example, bedding or clothing that an infected person has used
Monkeypox also differs from colds, flu and Corona in that the disease is only contagious after the first symptoms have appeared – and not during the incubation period. The disease is contagious until the last scabs after the blisters have fallen off.
The incubation period (time from when you become infected until the first symptoms appear) can be from 5 days to up to 21 days.
Important: When monkeypox came to Europe in the spring of 2022, the media reported that it was mainly men who had sex with men who had become infected. Monkeypox is transmitted through physical contact with an infected person – regardless of gender.
Treatment of monkeypox
Monkeypox is usually a mild disease that in the vast majority of cases resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks. However, it may be relevant to treat and relieve the symptoms.
- Blisters/sores: Blisters can turn into sores and they can become inflamed. Watch for symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain plus fluid or yellow pus from the wound. And if you need to prevent and/or treat, clean with sterile wound cleanser, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
- Headaches and muscle pain: Relieve headaches and muscle pain with a painkiller that you can buy without a prescription at the pharmacy.
- Fever: The body's natural reaction to a foreign virus, such as monkeypox virus, is a fever. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and that you are not wrapped in thick clothing or a thick blanket. A cold compress can help, and if necessary, you can lower the fever by taking a painkiller with paracetamol.
- Fatigue: Make sure you get enough rest, and even if you're tired, remember to eat a healthy and varied diet (or possibly a nutritional supplement) so your body gets the nutrients it needs.
If you have symptoms or are in close contact
If you have symptoms:
- Call your doctor – don't show up
- If the doctor assesses that there may be a risk that you are infected with monkeypox, you will be tested.
- Go into isolation until your doctor has the results of the test (also avoid touching pets)
If you are in close contact with an infected person:
- Go into isolation – i.e. avoid close physical contact with other people (and pets)
To find out more and the latest news: Use sst.dk
If you are in doubt about anything – or would like to stay updated on current news regarding monkeypox, check out the Danish Health Authority's website sst.dk. Here you can also follow any vaccination against monkeypox.
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