Monkeypox Evaluation

Monkeypox is a viral disease which is related to the family of smallpox and cowpox. Each of these diseases causes a characteristic skin rash that can be accompanied by fever, head and muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.

Monkeypox has been around for several years in parts of Africa. However, recently (May 2022) there has been a number of increased cases (an outbreak) in the United States. As a result, CDC and healthcare agencies are reporting and tracking these cases and it is being reported in the news.

Monkeypox virus spreads from one person to another

• through bodily fluids
• close skin-to-skin contact
• prolonged exposures to contaminated materials
• in 2022 outbreak, majority of cases are seen in men who have sex with men (MSM) and histories point to exposure via sexual contact

According to CDC, the following groups of people may be at higher risk

• Someone who had contact with a person with a rash (who is confirmed as having or has symptoms suspicious of monkeypox)
• Someone who had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity; this includes men who have sex with men
• Traveled outside the United States to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox activity has been ongoing
• Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (such as game meat, creams, lotions, or powders).

Usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• RASH in the first 1-3 days, may begin on face or genitals, then spread to other parts of body
• Rash progresses to fluid filled blisters and then scabs
• Disease may last 2-4 weeks.

• Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that is confirmed/suspicious of being monkeypox.
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of infected person
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with infected person
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with infected person
• 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.
• In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates.
• Avoid sick or dead animals which may be reservoirs of monkeypox.

If you are sick with monkeypox:

• Isolate at home till scabs fall off
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in an area away from other people or pets