Monkeypox, chickenpox, and smallpox, all sound the same but are pretty distinctive from each other. In a previous article, we clarified the difference and similarities between monkeypox and smallpox, if you are interested in learning about that you can read that article. But in this article, we tackle the question, is monkeypox similar to chickenpox, if yes, then by how much? If not, then just how different are these two viruses? To know the answer, carry on reading.

What is Monkeypox?

We have all described this question in great detail in one of our previous articles. You can read our article All you need to know about Monkeypox, its symptoms and prevention. But, just to give a quick summary, Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is especially contagious to people who hadn’t had the disease once before or aren’t vaccinated against it. 

Similarities between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

• Both cause rash which eventually scabs
• Common symptoms include fever and rash

And that’s where the similarities between the two viruses end, well one thing we can’t forget to mention in the similarities is that both the viruses are named after animals. Now begins the long list of dissimilarities.

DIssimilarities between Monkeypox and Chickenpox

• Monkeypox is relatively more fatal than chickenpox which is rarely lethal.
• Monkeypox takes about 4 weeks to cure whereas chickenpox just takes one week.
• Monkeypox isn’t curable yet whereas chickenpox has a vaccine that is safe and effective.
• Chickenpox especially affects kids whereas monkeypox affects everyone.
• Chickenpox does not have swollen lymph nodes whereas monkeypox does.
• Chickenpox is easily transmitted through human-to-human contact while this type of transmission is rare in monkeypox.