Mpox or Monkeypox has become a global concern over the last two years since its outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022. Mpox has so far crossed the boundary of Africa and made its way through Europe to Asia. To ensure the prevention of this viral disease, mass awareness is a must. Let’s take a look into the early symptoms, rash progression, risk factors, incubation period, and contagious duration of the Monkeypox disease. Major Signs and Symptoms of Mpox In the early stages of sickness, people affected by Mpox will simply feel unwell. They will be seemingly showing “flu-like” symptoms. Most people will only suffer from these mild symptoms and recover within a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Early Symptoms Early symptoms of Mpox include: Fever: A fever is often one of the first symptoms to appear when someone is infected with Mpox. The body’s temperature rises as a natural defense mechanism to help fight off the virus. This increase in temperature can range from a mild elevation to a high fever, often making the person feel very uncomfortable. The fever may come and go in waves and can be accompanied by a few other symptoms. Read more: Pakistan's health ministry confirms a case of mpox but more tests are being done for its variant Headache: Alongside fever, headaches are a common early symptom of Monkeypox. These headaches can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. The headaches are usually persistent and can make concentration and everyday activities difficult. Chills: Chills are often experienced as sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that result in shivering. This symptom usually accompanies the fever and can make a person feel cold even when the body temperature is elevated. Chills are a response to the body’s effort to raise its core temperature to fight the infection. Joint Pains: Joint pains, also known as arthralgia, are common in the early stages of Monkeypox. This discomfort can affect any joint of the body, including the knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Joint pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. It often leads to stiffness and difficulty in movement, contributing to the overall feeling of malaise. Read more: Congo's humanitarian crisis helped mpox spiral again into a global health emergency Backache: Backache is another frequent symptom, often adding to the discomfort experienced during the early stages of Mpox. The pain is usually centered in the lower back but can also radiate to other areas. This pain can be persistent and may worsen with physical activity or prolonged sitting. Muscle Aches: Muscle aches, or myalgia, are common and can affect various parts of the body. These aches can range from dull, persistent pain to more intense discomfort that limits movement. Muscle aches can affect the entire body or be localized to specific areas, making physical activities challenging and contributing to the overall sense of fatigue. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, are a key indicator of Monkeypox infection. The lymph nodes, particularly those in the neck, armpits, and groin, may become tender and noticeably enlarged. This swelling occurs as the body’s immune system ramps up its response to fight the virus. Read more: Health ministry issues mpox alert: Vigilance at entry points; no cases detected in Bangladesh yet Extreme Tiredness: Extreme tiredness, or fatigue, is one of the most debilitating symptoms of Mpox. This profound exhaustion goes beyond normal tiredness, leaving individuals feeling drained and unable to perform everyday tasks. Fatigue can persist throughout the illness, even when other symptoms begin to improve.