Understanding Monkeypox Monkeypox, a viral illness closely related to smallpox, has been a global health concern. While it's less contagious than smallpox, it can still spread through close contact with an infected person's rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. Symptoms of Monkeypox The symptoms of monkeypox typically appear within 3 to 21 days after exposure. They often include: * Fever * Headache * Muscle aches * Backache * Chills * Swollen lymph nodes * Fatigue A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the onset of fever. The rash progresses through several stages, including: * Macules (flat, red lesions) * Papules (raised, firm lesions) * Vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) * Pustules (pus-filled blisters) * Scabs The rash typically appears on the face, palms, and soles of the feet, but can spread to other parts of the body. ...