Though the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to completely subside, we are currently in the midst of another

government declared emergency due to Monkeypox. The first confirmed case in the U.S. was in May 2022. As of

September 14, 2022, a total of 23,117 cases have been reported and the number keeps growing.1 As a result, the

government declared Monkeypox an emergency in August 2022.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as smallpox, but

less fatal.

How does Monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox is spread from person-to-person by close contact of the skin, which includes touching a shared

object, hugging, kissing, and sexual contact.2

What can I do to prevent Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is spread through close contact with infected persons. Everyone should be mindful of activities that

involve large crowds and avoid close contact with individuals that may be infected.

Can I prevent Monkeypox by getting the vaccine?

There are two (2) Monkeypox vaccines available, one is called JYNNEOS and the other is ACAM2000. These

vaccines are extremely limited due to the large number of cases in such a short timeframe. If there has been

close contact with someone with Monkeypox and you think there is a risk of getting infected, contact your

doctor to see if the vaccine is an option. Due to the limited availability of the vaccine, your doctor may refer you

to the local health department.

What happens if I get Monkeypox?

People with the Monkeypox infection present with a rash on the area that was in contact with the virus, which

may include hands, feet, face, chest, and genitals. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, exhaustion, and

muscle aches, which may resemble flu-like symptoms. From start to finish, the symptoms generally appear three

(3) weeks after exposure and will last about two (2) to four (4) weeks.

What can I do if I get Monkeypox?

There are no FDA approved drugs for Monkeypox. However, there is a drug used to treat smallpox that can be

used in severely ill Monkeypox patients called tecovirimat (TPOXX). Similar to the Monkeypox vaccine, the

treatment is very limited and should only be used in patients with severe symptoms or those at high-risk for

severe disease (i.e. people with a weakened immune system, children, pregnancy, etc.)3

In conclusion, Monkeypox has been declared an emergency with an increasing number of cases. Due to its

ability to spread through close skin contact and delay in the presentation of symptoms, many cases go

unnoticed. However, there are options to prevent the spread of Monkeypox with lifestyle modifications (e.g.

safe sex and avoiding close contact with infected persons) and vaccination, if applicable. If your healthcare

provider thinks you have Monkeypox and are at high risk, then treatment options are available.

If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider.

References:

1 2022 Outbreak Cases and Data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID),

Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP). August 22, 2022

2 Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-

Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP). August 22, 2022

3 Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious

Diseases (NCEZID), Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP). August 22, 2022