Monkeypox

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What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Despite its name, the current global outbreak is not linked to monkeys or other primates. It spreads between people through close contact (e.g., direct physical contact with the infectious rash, including during intimate contact).

On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. The risk of contracting this infection is very low for those who have been in casual, rather than close, contact with an infected individual (e.g., being in the same room).

This illness is uncommon in the United States. Global travel has increased the risk of bringing diseases from other countries.

Symptoms of monkeypox

• Fever, headache, muscle aches, and feeling exhausted
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin sores that may look like pimples or blisters
  They may be limited to one area or widespread. The sores can appear:
• On your face or inside your mouth
• On your shoulders, chest, belly, or genital area
• On your hands and palms, or feet and soles

How it spreads

• Touching an infected person’s body or skin sores
• Touching an infected person’s clothes, bedsheets, or towels
• Touching an infected animal

Monkeypox can infect anyone. 

Treatment

For most people, monkeypox goes away on its own without treatment. Symptoms often last from 2 to 4 weeks.

There is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox. Some medicines used for smallpox may help prevent or treat monkeypox. Some people with severe symptoms may benefit from treatment.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your health care team (e.g, primary care doctor). Getting medical help early is important for people with weakened immune systems.

How to avoid getting monkeypox

You can take steps to protect yourself from this illness. Here’s how:

• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with this illness.
• Do not share plates, silverware, or cups with a person with this illness.
• Do not handle the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.

If you are close to someone who has monkeypox

If you have a high risk for infection, you may be eligible for a monkeypox vaccine. Check with your health care team or clinic.

You may have a high risk if you:

• Have contact with someone who had a rash or sore that looks like monkeypox
• Have contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox
• Have skin contact with friends who have had monkeypox
• Travel outside the United States to an area where monkeypox is more common
• Have contact with an animal that lived where monkeypox has been more common

If you get sick with monkeypox:

• Stay home.
• Stay in a separate room or area from other family members and pets.

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms that may be monkeypox.
• You might have had close contact with someone who has known or suspected monkeypox.

Additional Resources

CDC Page

California Department of Public Health