Know the Difference Between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

Monkeypox is back in the Health world with the Monkeypox disease in several European countries and has even reached Indonesia. Although very rare, monkeypox is one of the dangerous and highly contagious diseases that everyone needs to be aware of. Because, monkeypox is one of the zoonotic/zoonotic diseases. This means that monkeypox can not only be transmitted from animal to animal, but also from animal to human. At first glance, monkeypox looks very similar to chickenpox, but in reality the disease has several differences. Let's check what the differences are!!

 

Some Differences Between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

Monkeypox and chickenpox, if observed at a glance, have almost the same visual appearance. However, there are some differences that lie in the symptoms, types of viruses and the development of both diseases.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, while chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. Monkeypox disease usually causes several clinical symptoms. For example, such as rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and can cause other medical complications.

In general, monkeypox is a self-limiting disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. However, severe cases can also occur in some sufferers which can be life-threatening.

Meanwhile, chickenpox, or chickenpox, symptoms can include an itchy rash with small blisters filled with fluid. The blisters will appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually last about 5 to 10 days.

Then, there are some other symptoms that may appear one to two days before the blister rash appears on the skin. For example, fever, headache, loss of appetite, to fatigue and general feeling of being unwell.

As a disease caused by infection with the Varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox is highly contagious to people who have never had it. In addition, those who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox are also very susceptible to infection.

So, the most striking difference between these two types of smallpox is the symptoms. Monkeypox causes swollen lymph nodes, while chickenpox does not.

Here are effective preventive measures that we need to know:

• Wash your hands diligently with running water and soap after finishing various outdoor activities. In addition, you also need to wash your hands immediately after coming into contact with monkeypox sufferers or after touching animals, especially those at high risk of carrying the virus.
• Make sure to eat food that comes from animals and that is completely cooked.
• Use personal protective equipment during direct contact with monkeypox sufferers, such as masks and gloves.
• Enough rest
• Consume healthy, nutritionally balanced foods so that the body's immunity can be maintained optimally.
• Avoid direct physical contact (touching) with animals that are at risk of spreading monkeypox. In addition to monkeys, rodents such as squirrels and mice should also be avoided.

 

Meanwhile, the main prevention of chickenpox infection is by vaccinating early. Because, adults who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox tend to have more severe symptoms if they are infected.

Here are the differences between monkeypox and chickenpox that we need to know. Monkeypox causes swelling of the lymph nodes, while chickenpox does not. Therefore, if you feel a rash on your skin, you should immediately see a specialist doctor at RSU Hermina Medan, the goal is that the cause of the rash can be diagnosed with certainty.

 

 

Referensi :

Mayo Clinic. Diakses pada 2024. Chickenpox. 

Tribunnews. Diakses pada 2022. Perbedaan Cacar Monyet dan Cacar Air Biasa, Simak Gejala Monkeypox dan Chickenpox pada Kulit. 

Cleveland Clinic. Diakses pada 2022. Monkeypox.