Overview

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

As of now, there is no treatment for monkeypox. However, antiviral medication for smallpox may be used for people who are likely to get severely ill.

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Symptoms

The monkeypox virus is part of the same family as smallpox. Therefore, the symptoms you may experience can be similar! Keep in mind that monkeypox and chickenpox are NOT related.

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches and backache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Chills

• Exhaustion

• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters. It can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus

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Spread and Prevention

Monkeypox can spread in various ways. However, there is a higher risk of transmission through direct contact:

• rubbing or touching the infectious scab, rash, or body fluid

• face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

To avoid catching monkeypox, you should avoid contact with infected individuals.

• Do not touch rash or scabs of an infected person

• Do not kiss or hug someone who is suspected of having monkeypox

• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox

 

Vaccine Information

There is currently a vaccine for monkeypox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [www.cdc.gov] has indicated that the current stock of monkeypox vaccines should only be used for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) on a case-by-case basis, according to state guidelines.

UPDATED CRITERIA

New Monkeypox Vaccine Qualifying Criteria:

 

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people who in the past 6 months have had

  • A new diagnosis of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)

  • More than one sex partner
     

• People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months:

  • Sex at a commercial sex venue

  • Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where monkeypox transmission is occurring
     

• Sexual partners of people with the above risks
   

• People who anticipate experiencing the above risks (for example, if you think you may have more than one sex partner over the next 6 months)

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Southampton Healthcare is offering the Vaccine for anyone meeting criteria. To schedule call 314-647-2200 and select option 2