Understanding Monkeypox and Its Differences from Chickenpox

Monkeypox, or "cacar monyet," is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus family, the same family as the smallpox (variola) virus. This disease was first discovered in monkeys used for research in 1958, although its primary source of infection is believed to be rodents. Meanwhile, chickenpox is a disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which is part of the herpesvirus family. Although both diseases cause skin rashes, there are fundamental differences between monkeypox and chickenpox in terms of causes, symptoms, transmission, and severity.

What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease is primarily found in Central and West Africa, but in recent years, cases have been identified in other countries outside of Africa.

Symptoms of monkeypox typically appear 5-21 days after infection. Initially, the symptoms resemble the flu, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. After a few days, a fluid-filled skin rash appears, which gradually turns into blisters, dries up, and forms scabs before healing.

 

Transmission: Monkeypox can be transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, skin rashes, or contaminated objects like clothing and bedding. Transmission can also occur through inhaling droplets from an infected person, although this requires prolonged and close contact.

 

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox, or varicella, is a contagious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It mainly affects children, although adults who have never been infected can also contract it. The disease is usually mild, but in some cases, particularly in adults or individuals with weakened immune systems, chickenpox can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of chickenpox appear 10-21 days after exposure to the virus, starting with fever, fatigue, and a sore throat, followed by a widespread itchy rash. The rash consists of small red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters and then dry up into scabs.

Transmission: Chickenpox is highly contagious, especially through airborne droplets from an infected person, such as when coughing or sneezing. It can also spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.

Key Differences Between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

Aspect	Monkeypox	Chickenpox
Cause	Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus)	Varicella zoster virus
Initial Symptoms	Fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes	Fever, fatigue, sore throat
Rash	Starts on the face, spreads to the body, often with swollen lymph nodes	Starts on the chest, back, or face, spreads all over the body, very itchy
Transmission	Direct contact with bodily fluids, rashes, or contaminated objects	Airborne droplets, direct contact with blister fluid
Severity	Can be more severe with complications like secondary infections or pneumonia	Usually mild, complications are more common in adults or those with weakened immune systems
Vaccination	No specific vaccine, but smallpox vaccine offers protection	Commonly available varicella vaccine

Conclusion

Although both monkeypox and chickenpox cause skin rashes, their differences lie in the cause, initial symptoms, and modes of transmission.

Both diseases require proper management, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent chickenpox, while preventing monkeypox requires vigilance in avoiding contact with animals that may carry the disease. If you, Hermina's friends, experience similar symptoms or complaints such as a rash, consult a specialist doctor at Hermina Podomoro Hospital.

References

1. WHO. (2022). "Monkeypox." Retrieved from WHO official website

2. CDC. (2022). "Monkeypox: Key Facts." Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

3. Mayo Clinic. (2022). "Chickenpox." Retrieved from Mayo Clinic

4. Ministry of Health, Indonesia. (2022). "Monkeypox: Symptoms and Prevention."