How is monkey pox diagnosed?

Answer 1

A preliminary diagnosis is made based on clinical presentations which may include fever, nausea, vomiting and rash. The rash may progress to pock lesions which are distributed on the head, face and extremities (centrifugal rash). These features are identical to smallpox. A distinguishing feature of monkeypox is lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes at the neck, armpits or groin). Suspected exposure to an infected animal (usually a rodent) or infected person may aid in the diagnosis. Monkeypox may be misdiagnosed as measles or chickenpox. To confirm monkeypox,a blood sample is taken and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which detects even very low quantities of the monkeypox virus DNA. Specific DNA sequences unique to monkeypox allow the distinction from other poxviruses such as vaccinia, cowpox, and variola (smallpox) that also may cause similar disease symptoms. In addition, the blood may be tested for antibodies to poxviruses although this will not allow a distinction between poxviruses.