Monkeypox: What You Need to Know
July 30, 2022 - The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, its highest-level warning, and U.S. officials are weighing a similar declaration, as the virus spreads in countries where it is not traditionally found.
In the United States, more than 3,500 cases were confirmed as of July 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, likely an undercount.
Here’s what you need to know about monkeypox, and how to protect yourself.
Am I at risk of getting monkeypox?
At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the U.S. is believed to be low. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people; however, anyone in close contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves. Scientists are still researching if the virus can be spread when someone has no symptoms
How can I protect myself and others from monkeypox?
The virus mostly spreads from skin to skin, health officials are advising caution in crowded places where bumping into people may be unavoidable. Scientists are still researching how often monkeypox is spread through respiratory secretions, or when a person with monkeypox symptoms might be more likely to spread the virus through respiratory secretions.
The CDC says to avoid sharing utensils, kissing or hugging anyone who has a rash that looks like monkeypox or other possible symptoms. Practicing good hand hygiene is another way to avoid infections, along with not touching the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. Contact your city or state’s health department for more information on access to vaccines, tests and treatment.
Infected people should self-isolate from other humans as well as pets — and to wear a mask and long clothing over any sores.
What are common monkeypox symptoms?
Monkeypox infections typically last two to four weeks and begin with flu-like symptoms — including fever, headaches, muscle aches and exhaustion. Eventually, fluid-filled bumps — or “pox” — spread across the skin.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Monkeypox mainly spreads from human to human through direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs or bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted from respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex. People can become infected by touching items — such as clothing or bedsheets — previously used by someone who is infectious, the CDC says.
It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals such as rodents or primates, as occurred during a 2003 U.S. outbreak after infected animals from Ghana were shipped to Texas, but that’s not how the virus is currently spreading in the United States and Europe.
Is monkeypox an STD?
Monkeypox is not considered a traditional sexually transmitted disease like syphilis or gonorrhea, but it does spread during sex. Transmission during sexual activity is a major driver of the current surge. That’s because the virus spreads through close contact with an infected person, and sex provides opportunity for exposure to rashes or lesions.
But monkeypox can also spread outside of sex, such as skin-to-skin contact while dancing or cuddling, or sharing contaminated clothing or bedding. Respiratory spread is also possible, but usually over prolonged periods of time, such as when a person lives in the same home as an infected person.
Anyone can get monkeypox and it is a public health concern for all.
Is there a monkeypox vaccine or treatment?
Monkeypox and smallpox come from the same family of viruses, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed and stockpiled for smallpox, which has been largely eradicated, can be used for monkeypox.
CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. Contact your city or state’s health department for more information on access to vaccines, tests and treatment.
The White House is working to boost the availability of tests, vaccine doses and treatments, but access remains a problem for many.
