Monkeypox Information

Vaccine supply is limited and currently being prioritized by public health agencies.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a virus which results in a rash and flu-like symptoms. It is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. It causes similar symptoms to smallpox, but milder. Monkeypox usually lasts 2-4 weeks. It is not related to chickenpox.

How Monkeypox Spreads

Monkeypox spreads through person to person contact in different ways:

• Direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scab or bodily fluids
• Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, talking closely or kissing
• Touching items (such as clothing, bedding or towels) that were used by someone with monkeypox

Monkeypox Symptoms

Monkeypox has a long incubation time. That means it can take four to 21 days to produce illness after someone has been exposed to the virus. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches
• A blister-like rash that may appear on the face, inside of mouth, hands, feet, chest or genitals or anus.

Prevention and Vaccination

Anyone can get monkeypox, but it can be prevented by limiting close contact with people with confirmed or suspected monkeypox and by vaccination. Take the following precautions to help prevent monkeypox infection:

• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact if someone has a rash. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox
• Avoid hugging, kissing, sex or close talking with someone with monkeypox
• Do not handle or touch bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer