The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency due to the danger of the Mpox virus, which causes monkeypox and has spread to many countries. The viruses that cause smallpox and monkeypox are caused by different species within the Poxviridae family. While there are occasions when the symptoms of these two infections are similar, monkeypox is distinguished by having less severe symptoms and a high rate of recovery. Nevertheless, the disease carries a high risk of death. It is essential to comprehend the similarities and distinctions between the two. Describe the similarities and differences between smallpox and monkeypox.
Differences between smallpox and monkeypox
Similarities and differences between smallpox and monkeypox: First of all, let us know about the differences between them, which are as follows:
Existence
According to the National Library of Medicine, smallpox is caused by the variola virus, which was eradicated many years ago. No new case has come to light yet. It is the first human infectious disease to be eliminated globally. But monkeypox, which is a zoonotic and variola-like disease, has become a major health problem worldwide nowadays. That is, monkeypox still exists, and smallpox is almost extinct. This is the biggest difference between smallpox and monkeypox.
Transmission
Monkeypox is considered less contagious than smallpox. As soon as a patient with the monkeypox virus develops symptoms, the virus can spread to other people until he or she completely recovers. Researchers also found that some individuals can spread monkeypox to others 1–4 days before they develop symptoms. In the case of smallpox, another person can get infected after coming into contact with the infected person.
survival rate
Monkeypox is considered less fatal than smallpox. Its survival rate is 99%, whereas in small pox this rate is found to be 30%. Now learn about the similarities and differences between smallpox and monkeypox.
Similarities between smallpox and monkeypox
In terms of similarities and differences between smallpox and monkeypox, let us now know about the similarities between the two. Monkeypox, a disease related to smallpox, causes problems such as a raised rash, fever, muscle pain, and headache. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, but monkeypox is a less serious disease than smallpox. It is believed that the symptoms of monkeypox are milder than those of smallpox. In both of these viruses, the patient may suffer from fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue, as well as fluid-filled wounds. Along with this, the incubation period of both infections is up to 17 days.
