Monkeypox is causing more damage than you would imagine. Serious complications caused by the virus includes encephalitis, seizures, long term disability and more.
Panic has been caused by the rapid global spread of monkeypox, prompting the implementation of emergency measures to contain the disease. Although the symptoms of monkeypox are often mild, the current outbreak has shown a new set of symptoms in addition to the conventional ones including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, and headaches. Monkeypox lesions have expanded beyond the skin to affect the mucosal tissues of the throat, vaginal, and rectal regions, causing severe discomfort for sufferers. The severe complications of monkeypox include encephalitis, seizures, permanent paralysis, and more.
Even while the overall number of reported cases of monkeypox has been decreasing, the virus has recently been detected in more than 80 nations, including many that are not in the endemic region, as reported by the CDC.
Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist, Head, Ameri Health, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explains that while a rash and fever are the most common symptoms, neurological problems including as disorientation, convulsions, and coma are also possible.
Recent research published in eClinical Medicine summarised the results of 19 separate trials, involving 1,512 participants; PCR testing revealed that 1053 of these people were infected with monkeypox.
“Patients with this viral condition exhibited symptoms like encephalitis (a sort of brain swelling and inflammation), seizure, and confusion, according to the study. Neurological complications can cause severe impairment and mortality “- Dr. Arora
The Effects of Monkeypox on the Brain and Psyche
Dr. Arora claims that monkeypox is linked to neuropsychiatric and mental health disorders, although it is unclear if the immune response following infection is to blame for these problems or what exactly is causing them.
Monkeypox infection has been linked to low mood, anxiety, and depression in western studies.
To further understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the neurological and behavioural consequences of this rare viral disease, the expert recommends conducting large multicenter worldwide trials.
Can monkeypox cause brain damage? expert on uncommon virus complications
