Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A large study of monkeypox or monkeypox revealed new symptoms of an outbreak that has continued to spread since last May.
A study initiated by Queen Mary University of London and published in The New England Journal of Medicine assessed a total of 528 cases of monkeypox from 16 different countries.
The study found that overall, about 98% of those infected were gay or bisexual men. Monkeypox is mainly spread through direct physical contact with an infected person. Of the 98% of patients, a total of 41% were living with HIV.
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However, research is still ongoing to determine whether monkeypox is sexually transmitted.
“It can affect anyone. We identified nine heterosexual men with monkeypox. We urge caution when examining an unusually acute rash in anyone, especially when the rash is combined with systemic symptoms, to avoid missing a diagnosis in heterosexual people,” the study said. This, launched Newsweek, Sunday (24/7/2022).
One of the main symptoms associated with other monkeypox is a rash of cracked lesions on the skin. Research reveals that the most common areas for lesions to appear are the genitals and anus, not other parts of the body. The next most common area for lesions is the trunk, such as the arms, or legs.
A total of 54 patients also reported having single genital ulcers or sores that appeared in the genital area, including the penis, vagina, and around the anus. This is one of the symptoms of monkeypox which is currently not widely known.
But the study also noted that single genital ulcers were also common in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study said these findings should be reported to health care professionals, so monkeypox is easier to diagnose and treat.
Approximately 61 of those infected also reported anorectal pain, proctitis, tenesmus, or diarrhea or a combination of these symptoms.
The study also reported oropharyngeal symptoms in 26 people, including lesions inside the mouth and tonsils, as well as sore throat, painful swallowing, and an inflamed throat. There were also cases of lesions appearing on the eyelids, but these were only recorded in three people.
In addition to the lesions, other common symptoms reported included fever (62%), lethargy (41%), myalgia (31%), and headache (27%). Swollen lymph nodes were also reported in 56% of people.
According to research, some of those who develop anal and oral symptoms are in so much pain that they have to be hospitalized. The study notes that this is why it is so important to be aware of these new symptoms so that health care authorities are better equipped to treat monkeypox patients.
Now monkeypox is officially declared a global health emergency with a high alarm level by the World Health Organization (WHO). There are more than 14,500 recorded cases, with more than 2,100 of them in the United States (US).
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(tfa/cha)
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