Monkey Pox what you need to know.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Monkeypox symptoms
People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
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The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
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The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:
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Fever
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Chills
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Exhaustion
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Muscle aches and backache
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Headache
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Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms
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Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
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Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
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Others only experience a rash.
How long do monkeypox symptoms last?
Monkeypox symptoms usually 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.
Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
If You Have a New or Unexplained Rash or Other Symptoms...
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Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
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If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you.
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When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area.
Prevent the Spread of Monkeypox
Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Monkeypox
Learn how you can make informed choices when in spaces or situations where monkeypox could be spread.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Prevention
Updated Sept. 12, 2022
Protect Yourself and Others
At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current monkeypox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.
Following the recommended prevention steps and getting vaccinated if you were exposed to monkeypox or are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox can help protect you and your community.
