In the last few months there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Monkeypox cases worldwide. Monkeypox is an infectious disease that has been around for decades but in recent weeks hundreds of confirmed cases of Monkeypox have been occurring in countries that do not typically have the virus. This includes the United States where over 5,000 cases nationwide have been reported.
Listed below are the answers to commonly asked questions about Monkeypox.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970 and before this current outbreak, Monkeypox cases were generally seen in central and western African countries. This recent outbreak has been different as Monkeypox has spread beyond that region to other parts of the world including Europe, Asia and North America.
Who is at risk of getting Monkeypox?
Most (but not all) recent global cases of Monkeypox have been reported amongst men who have sex with men. However, the virus can affect anyone through close person-to-person contact. Anyone infected with Monkeypox has the ability to spread it to those that they’re in close contact with.
Is Monkeypox contagious? How does Monkeypox spread?
Yes, Monkeypox is contagious. Those who are infected with Monkeypox have the ability to spread the infection to others in one or more of the following ways:
- Direct skin to skin contact (ie. touching an infected rash, scabs, or body fluids)
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact
- During intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?
Symptoms of Monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- A rash that may look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
I think I have Monkeypox, what should I do?
If you suspect you have Monkeypox contact your healthcare provider immediately to get tested. Until you see a healthcare provider be sure to avoid close intimate contact with others and abstain from sex.
Once you have been tested for Monkeypox, if it is confirmed, then a public health official or your doctor will contact you to provide further instructions.
Most people can recover at home with rest, plenty of fluids and over the counter pain medication if needed.
It can take around 5 days to 3 weeks after exposure for a person to develop symptoms of Monkeypox.
How do I get tested for Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is diagnosed by a PCR test. A simple swab is taken from one or more of the rashes or skin lesions of concern. This is not a painful procedure and results are available within 24-48 hours.
Where can I get tested for Monkeypox?
Testing for MonkeyPox is now available at all Life Savers ER locations.
Can Monkeypox kill you?
Monkeypox is very rarely fatal. Monkeypox is usually a mild illness and most people recover on their own after a few weeks.
Is there a vaccine for Monkeypox?
Yes, there is a vaccine for Monkeypox. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends vaccination for the following groups:
- People who have been exposed to Monkeypox.
- People who are at higher risk of being exposed to Monkeypox, include:
- People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with Monkeypox.
- People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known Monkeypox.
- People whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses, such as: Laboratory workers who perform testing for orthopoxviruses, who handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses.
- Some designated healthcare or public health workers.
How do I keep myself safe from Monkeypox?
If you have reason to suspect that someone close to you has Monkeypox, take the following steps to help you prevent infection.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone that has Monkeypox. This includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups.
- 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.
Furthermore, if you are in close contact with someone suspected of having Monkeypox, consider getting vaccinated against it.
If you believe you have Monkeypox or have come into close contact with someone that has tested positive for Monkeypox, call your local Life Savers ER location to find out more about testing and vaccinations.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/Monkeypox/response/2022/index.htmlhttps://www.who.int/news/item/25-05-2022-Monkeypox–public-health-advice-for-gay–bisexual-and-other-men-who-have-sex-with-men
- https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/Monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html
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