What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a disease that can make you sick, including a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
HOW CAN YOU CATCH MONKEYPOX? Close physical contact with a person with symptoms like skin-to-skin, face-to-face, kissing and sex or touching bedding, clothing, towels or other objects that touched the infected person's skin or body fluids.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MONKEYPOX?
Avoid physical and intimate contact with anyone who has symptoms, talk openly with partners about symptoms prior to intimate contact and clean hands, objects surfaces and bedding if you encounter someone with symptoms.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS ISOLATE FROM OTHERS AND CONTACT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER RIGHT AWAY.
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Monkeypox: What You Should Know
Anyone can get Monkeypox:
- However, certain groups are being affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Some groups may be at higher risk for complications if they contract monkeypox--this includes people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children, and pregnant people.
Symptoms:
- Rashes, bumps or blisters on the face, hands, feet, chest or genital area. The rash may appear similar to common sexually transmitted infections.
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms may occur before the rash, after the rash appears, or not at all.
How Do You Get It?
Monkeypox is spread through close physical contact with someone who has monkeypox. This includes:
- Direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes.
- Respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact with someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with objects or fabrics (clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
What should I do if I was exposed or have symptoms?
- If you experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider for an assessment.
- Monkeypox is diagnosed through tests on samples taken from people suspected of having monkeypox.
- Most patients have mild illness, so treatment usually consists of relief of symptoms and supportive care.
- There are anti-viral treatments available for pre- and post-exposure.
How Can I Protect Myself?
You can protect yourself from monkeypox by taking some simple steps. This is especially important for those at higher risk:
- Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash or monkeypox related symptoms.
- Follow reliable sources of health information, including the CDC and your local health department.
