Monkeypox and chickenpox are both viral infections that can cause skin rashes and fever. But, they are different in many ways that matter for public health. Chickenpox is common in kids, while monkeypox is much rarer.
One big difference is how the rashes look. Monkeypox sores are bigger, deeper, and hurt more than chickenpox sores. They also show up all at once and grow together. Chickenpox sores come on in waves and can be anywhere on the body. Monkeypox often swells the lymph nodes, which doesn’t usually happen with chickenpox.
Both diseases cause skin lesions and rashes but look and spread differently. Chickenpox has small, fluid-filled blisters that are fragile. Monkeypox has deeper, firmer lesions with indentations in the middle. Monkeypox lesions can also have pus.
Chickenpox lesions can be anywhere on the body. Monkeypox lesions often appear in sensitive areas like the genitals and rectum. They can also be on the hands and look like varicella.
| Characteristics | Monkeypox | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling of Lymph Nodes | Common | Not Typical |
| Lesion Appearance | Deep-seated, firm, stable, may form indentations | Small, fluid-filled, fragile blisters |
| Lesion Distribution | Concentrated in sensitive areas, may accumulate on hands | Can appear anywhere on the body |
| Lesion Duration | May take 2-4 weeks to resolve completely | Usually lasts 4-7 days |
One key difference is how these viruses spread. Monkeypox can spread through direct contact, touching infected objects, or eating infected animal meat. Chickenpox mainly spreads through the air and direct contact with the virus from blisters.
Monkeypox is much rarer than chickenpox and can be more serious. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, while chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Another difference is the severity and length of symptoms. Monkeypox symptoms can last up to four weeks and include fever, headache, and a unique rash. Chickenpox symptoms usually go away in a week to two weeks, with the rash appearing at different times.
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but symptoms can be managed. The chickenpox vaccine can prevent most cases of chickenpox, especially severe ones.
| Characteristic | Monkeypox | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|
| Causative Agent | Monkeypox virus | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) |
| Incubation Period | 7 to 14 days | Up to 16 days |
| Symptoms Duration | 2 to 4 weeks | 7 days to 2 weeks |
| Rash Appearance | Papules to pustules, forms scabs, falls off | Spots develop at different times |
| Fatality Rate | 3 to 6 percent (WHO) | Very low, mostly in immunocompromised individuals |
Comparing the Symptoms of Monkeypox and Chickenpox
Monkeypox and chickenpox may seem similar at first. They both cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and a rash. But, there are key differences in their symptoms that set them apart.
Fever, Headaches, Muscle Aches, and Fatigue
Both diseases share symptoms like fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms come before the rash appears. The severity and duration of these symptoms can differ between the two diseases.
Swelling of Lymph Nodes in Monkeypox
Monkeypox often causes swelling of lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy. This symptom is rare in chickenpox. It’s a key difference that helps diagnose monkeypox.
| Characteristics | Monkeypox | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling of Lymph Nodes | Common | Not Typical |
| Lesion Appearance | Deep-seated, firm, stable, may form indentations | Small, fluid-filled, fragile blisters |
| Lesion Distribution | Concentrated in sensitive areas, may accumulate on hands | Can appear anywhere on the body |
| Lesion Duration | May take 2-4 weeks to resolve completely | Usually lasts 4-7 days |
