Monkeypox – Overview

If you think that you have a case of monkeypox, contact your medical provider or a reliable source for medical care.

If you are unsure about who to contact, call United Way First Call for Help at 2-1-1 and they will refer you.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. It does not naturally occur in the United States. Infections are usually associated with travel to West or Central Africa or contact with imported infected animals. Cases of monkeypox are being identified in countries where the virus is not typically found and appear to have spread through human-to-human contact.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can appear 5-21 days after exposure. Early on, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Cough or sore throat

A rash may develop, often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body including the hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals. The severity of rashes can vary among people and change in appearance throughout the infection. Infections can last two to four weeks.

Skin lesions typically begin to develop all at once and may appear anywhere on the body. They can change from being flat to becoming bumps and then blisters before scabbing over and resolving.

How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox can spread when:

• A person has close contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus
• A person comes in contact with materials such as clothing, bedding or towels that are contaminated with the virus
• Touching monkeypox lesions on a person’s skin
• Coming into contact with respiratory droplets or secretions from the eyes, nose and mouth from a person with monkeypox

How can I prevent the spread of monkeypox?

• Keep infected patients away from others
• Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with infected animals or humans
• Avoid contact with animals that could have the virus, such as animals that are sick or that have been found dead
• Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when near a person with monkeypox and their close contacts if you must interact with them

Avoid the following:

• Oral, anal and vaginal sex or touching the genitals or anus of someone with monkeypox
• Hugging, massaging, kissing, or talking closely with someone with monkeypox
• Touching shared fabrics, shared surfaces and objects such as sex toys used by someone with monkeypox

Is there a vaccine available?
There is a vaccine that can prevent monkeypox. It can be used, under certain circumstances, to protect those at high risk of exposure.

Click here for the CCBH Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page

Click here to find fact sheets about Monkeypox