Monkeypox symptoms and prevention measures – Ghana Health Service

What are the symptoms of monkeypox disease?

1. Typical symptoms include:
2. Fever (increased body temperature)
3. Headache
4. Body ache
5. Weakness
6. Swelling of lymph nodes

The fever is followed by the development of skin rash (within 1 to 3 days) on the entire body but is more concentrated on the face and limbs.

Characteristics of the Rash

The rash varies from a few to thousands. The soles of the feet, palms of the hands, mucosal membranes, conjunctiva, cornea as well as genital may also be affected by the rash.

What happens when one gets the disease?

Most people will recover fully from the disease (which may take up to 4 weeks). It may however be mild or severe in one patient or the other and can cause death in some cases.

Prevention

1. Protect yourself by avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus, including dead animal
2. Avoid eating the meat of animals that could harbor the virus or ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
3. Practice good personal hygiene (including hand hygiene) always, especially after contact with infected animals or humans.
4. Report immediately to the nearest health facility if you experience any skin rash or any of the symptoms listed.

Source: Ghana Health Service