MonkeyPox Information
On August 4, 2022, the Biden administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency nationwide. There is information below from the CDC about the 2022 monkeypox outbreak and what steps to take to protect yourself and your community.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox. (CDC, 2022)
Symptoms
Monkeypox symptoms typically start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backaches
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, congestion, or cough)
How to get a Monkeypox vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that a vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of exposure to prevent the onset of the disease.
According to the CDC, people who are eligible for vaccination include:
People who public health officials have identified as having contact with someone with monkeypox
People who may have been exposed to monkeypox, such as:
People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox
People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox cases.
What to do if I have been exposed or have symptoms?
Call your healthcare provider right away.
Isolate yourself from others and do not share any objects or materials.
People with Monkeypox who do not require hospitalization should follow CDC's Isolation and Prevention Practices for People with Monkeypox.
What can I do to protect myself from monkeypox?
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people with a rash that looks like monkeypox.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
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