Study finds two symptoms of Monkeypox that could appear on your genitals

Monkeypox has become a major cause of concern in several countries around the world. From being declared as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization to becoming a public health emergency in the US, so far the viral disease has been detected in over 80 countries, accounting for over 17000 cases worldwide.

Amid rising cases, scientists and medical professionals have constantly been studying the monkeypox outbreak and not only have they determined some of the distinct features of the virus, but have identified common symptoms associated with the virus.

In an attempt to learn more about monkeypox, a recent study discovered two new symptoms of the monkeypox infection that are different from the commonly reported ones.

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Julia Bilinska at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, along with her team of researchers, analysed the symptoms of 197 men, who tested positive for monkeypox at an infectious disease centre in the city between May and July 2022.

86 percent of the patients reported common monkeypox symptoms, including fever (62 per cent), swollen lymph nodes (58 per cent) and muscle aches and pain (32 per cent).

However, the study detailed new and previously unlisted symptoms linked to the monkeypox infection.

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Of the 197 participants, 71 reported rectal pain and 31 reported penile swelling, as per the study. All in all, 20 of the patients were hospitalised for symptom management, of 8 people were admitted for anal or rectal pain and five for penile swelling.

While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned against any new or unexplained rash or lesion on either of your bodies, including the mouth, genitals (penis, testicles, vulva, or vagina), or anus (butthole), the healthy body, the NHS and World Health Organization (WHO) has not recognised rectal pain, penile swelling, single lesions or swollen tonsils as monkeypox symptoms.

According to the study, all participants developed some form of lesion on their skin or mucous membranes, like those lining the mouth or genitals.

Monkeypox has been commonly associated with chickenpox-like rash that eventually turns into pus-filled blisters and the scabs.

Furthermore, nine of the participants also had swollen tonsils, another atypical monkeypox symptom.

The debate around whether monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease or not has been ongoing since the emergence of the virus. Although the monkeypox infection can spread from close, direct contact i.e. through skin-to-skin contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person infected with monkeypox, experts believe it does not exclusively spread through sexual intercourse.

The CDC says, "People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth."

Additionally, common symptoms include:

- Fever

- Chills

- Swollen lymph nodes

- Exhaustion

- Muscle aches and backache

- Headache

- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

According to the US health agency, monkeypox symptoms usually begin within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

How monkeypox spreads has been a common concern for people around the world. As per the CDC, monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox, touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox and contact with respiratory secretions.

Hugging, massaging, kissing or having sexual intercourse with someone who has the monkeypox infection can also increase your chances of developing the viral disease.

The CDC recommends avoiding sex or being intimate with anyone who has a rash on their skin and hasn't been cleared by their healthcare provider. Furthermore, avoid sharing clothing, bedding and other accessories used by patients infected with the virus.

That said, maintain distance from anyone who has tested positive for monkeypox.

Wash your hands frequently and efficiently and maintain proper hygiene.