Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus.

How it Spreads

Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.

• It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching items such as clothing or linens that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids is another way monkeypox spreads.
• It is also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either from scratches or bites by the animal or by eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

If you think you’ve been infected, please contact your health care provider and seek medical attention for any evolving rash associated with fever.

Symptoms and Infection timeline

• Symptoms are typically mild, and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and/or exhaustion.
• Pox lesions with fever and swollen lymph nodes are the most common ways to identify monkeypox.

The time from infection to showing symptoms is usually 7-14 days but may range from 5-21 days total.

• Many individuals infected with monkeypox virus have a mild, self-limiting disease course, in the absence of specific therapy, with symptoms lasting approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

If you have been in close contact with an individual confirmed to have monkeypox

• Notify your medical provider for further instructions, and self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days after last close contact with the infected individual.
• If you seek medical evaluation for possible monkeypox, cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, or bandages, and remind the health care provider that this virus is circulating.
• Isolate infected the person who could be at risk for infection. 
• Do not touch any lesions suspected to be monkeypox or handle any materials that have come into direct contact with such lesions.
• Talk to your medical provider about isolation requirements.
• Use precautions if planning travel to endemic areas (i.e., Western and Central Africa).

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html
• Please visit the CDC website to learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html