Please bookmark our new URL, tooelehealth.org.

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Historically, monkeypox caused sporadic localized outbreaks, but it is currently circulating throughout the world. The most common symptom of this infection is a rash that can be very severe. Most people in the current outbreak have not needed medical treatment, however, severe infection is possible. The infection is mostly spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. This outbreak is currently limited to certain populations with close contact. Most people are not at risk of infection.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

Utah Department of Health & Human Services

Visit https://epi.health.utah.gov/monkeypox/

CDC Fact Sheet

Monkeypox Facts for People Who are Sexually Active

Monkeypox symptoms

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html

  • The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
  • Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
  • Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
  • Others only experience a rash.

HOW LONG DO MONKEYPOX SYMPTOMS LAST?

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

If You Have a New or Unexplained Rash or Other Symptoms…

  • Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
  • If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you.
  • When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area.