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| - Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A post on X claims that monkeypox is shingles. Our fact reveals that there is no credible evidence to substantiate this and we term this as False.
The Claim
A social media post on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that monkeypox is actually shingles. It further alleges that shingles is a common side effect of COVID-19 vaccines. The post presents images that apparently show the similarity between monkeypox and shingles rashes. It implies that the public is being misled.
Fact Check
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, occurs when the monkeypox virus infects someone. It spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal and causes symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, happens when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the body after a person has had chickenpox. It leads to a painful rash, often on one side of the body, along with symptoms like fever and fatigue.
Is monkeypox the same as shingles?
No, monkeypox and shingles are distinct viral infections caused by different viruses. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus that causes smallpox. On the other hand, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Mpox and shingles are viral infections with similar symptoms, and a person can have both at the same time.
Both diseases can cause skin rashes and lesions. However, they have different clinical presentations, transmission modes, and histories. Monkeypox primarily spreads through direct contact with the lesions, body fluids, or respiratory secretions of infected individuals or animals. Shingles, on the other hand, occurs when the dormant VZV in the body reactivates, usually when the immune system weakens.
What do the images in the post suggest?
The images in the social media post show rashes that may look similar but are not identical. The first image is attributed to a report on monkeypox, while the second is from a health website describing shingles. The visual similarities between the two rashes can lead to confusion, but expert healthcare professionals can distinguish between the two based on various factors. These can include the pattern and progression of the rash, patient history, and additional symptoms.
It’s important to note that rashes can have overlapping features, especially to the untrained eye. But, this doesn’t mean the underlying conditions are the same. Misrepresenting images in this manner can lead to misunderstanding and fear-mongering.
Can COVID-19 vaccines cause shingles?
No, not really. There have been anecdotal reports and case studies of shingles occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. But, these instances are rare, and no causal relationship has been established. Shingles can occur in individuals who have previously had chickenpox. This is particularly true when their immune system is compromised or under stress, which could be due to various factors, including but not limited to vaccination.
Studies on shingles risk after COVID-19 vaccination show mixed results. A 2022 study found that 0.2% of vaccinated individuals developed shingles within 60 days of getting an mRNA vaccine, compared to 0.11% of unvaccinated individuals. This suggests that mRNA vaccines may slightly increase the risk of shingles, but the causes are still unknown, and this remains unproven. The study also didn’t consider individual risk factors. Note that varicella-zoster virus reactivation is a known occurrence with infections and various vaccines, not just COVID-19 vaccines.
Another 2021 study found no increased risk of shingles after vaccination when comparing vaccinated people to those with other skin conditions. Moreover, COVID-19 itself may increase shingles risk, especially in older adults. A 2022 study found that people over 50 who had COVID-19 had a 15% higher risk of developing shingles, which rose to 21% for those hospitalised. This might be due to immune system issues caused by the virus.
Why is this misinformation about Mpox harmful?
Spreading misinformation that monkeypox is simply shingles or that vaccines cause shingles can have serious public health consequences. It may lead to vaccine hesitancy, which is already a concern in tackling any public health emergency. This could result in lower vaccination rates and a resurgence of preventable diseases. It can also cause unnecessary fear and anxiety among individuals who have been vaccinated or are considering vaccination.
Then, there’s always the emergence of conspiracy theories, as was the case with COVID-19 and now with Mpox. For example, people claiming that the Mpox is actually a psychological bioterrorism and that there’s HIV antigens in the Mpox vaccines or the narrative that Mpox is a planned pandemic by Bill Gates or the false narrative that Mpox is an airborne disease. These baseless claims actually create a ripple effect, and have far more implications than just vaccine hesitancy. They can spread misinformation, weaken trust in health authorities, and make it harder to control diseases. This can lead to serious public health issues. Moreover, confusing Mpox with shingles can delay appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Mpox requires different management and public health measures than shingles. These efforts include contact tracing and isolation in some cases.
What is the truth about monkeypox and shingles?
The truth is that monkeypox and shingles are two distinct conditions. These two diseases have different causes, modes of transmission, and treatments. While they can present with somewhat similar skin rashes, they are not the same disease. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection typically associated with certain regions in Africa but has recently been seen in outbreaks elsewhere. Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, usually occurring in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been shown to be safe and effective. The risk of shingles after vaccination is very low and should not be a reason to avoid getting vaccinated. Previously, we have also looked into the claim suggesting COVID vaccines can cause genital herpes. Our fact check revealed this is largely false. Public health authorities continue to monitor vaccine safety and encourage vaccination as a critical tool in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
THIP Media Take
The claim that monkeypox is shingles is completely false. These are distinct diseases with different causes. Plus, there is no substantial evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to a significant increase in shingles cases. Misinformation like this can harm public health efforts during a health emergency. These false claims should be addressed with accurate, evidence-based information.
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