Monkeypox FAQ

Monkeypox is related to small pox, but mild. Before this latest outbreak it was found mostly in central and western African countries or people that had recently traveled there. Now, it has changed so people who have not traveled to these areas or haven’t had contact with people from there are becoming infected. It is NOT related to chicken pox.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of this disease were found in monkeys kept for research. The first human case was first recorded in 1970 – 52 years ago. Monkeypox can infect animals, such as rodents and monkeys as well as humans. There was a case recently where a dog became infected by their owners that had monkeypox.

That anyone can catch it. It’s not just a “gay disease”, everyone is at risk. If you live with someone, are in close contact with someone, if you hug someone, you’re at risk.

Monkeypox starts with a fever, chills and headache. One major sign of monkey pox is swollen lymph nodes. A lot of people feel like they have the flu because they experience muscle aches and back aches. Some people get a sore throat, nasal congestion or a cough.

Some people will notice a rash first, but most people will get the rash about 1-4 days after the above symptoms.

The monkeypox rash looks like blisters. Usually, the lesions are round and look like a “bowl” with the middle of the blister being indented and there’s usually pus or liquid coming from the lesions.

Rarely. It can cause problems for people that don’t have great immune systems. For most people, it’s very uncomfortable but they recover.

By close contact and touch. It is not in the air but it can live in saliva droplets. The blisters are very infectious.

Anyone is at risk.

Those who have compromised immune systems.

It is not a gay disease. If you hug someone, you can catch it. If you share a living space with someone, you can catch it. If you ride in a car with someone for an extended period of time and they sneeze or cough you can get it.

Social distancing, limit sexual activity with partners you don’t know very well. Monkeypox is NOT a sexually transmitted disease, but because of the intimate act of sex, it puts you at greater risk of contracting it. If you or someone you know has monkeypox, you must stay home and isolate until all of the blisters or lesions have healed, all of the scabs have fallen off and new skin has grown where the blister was. This can take about a month.

Wash your hands! Don’t touch your face, mouth or eyes.

When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow or the inside of your shirt. Train your kids to do the same.

Do not share towels with anyone. Towels are a wonderful source of virus and bacteria. They’re moist and they carry viruses and bacteria left on someone’s hands or body that used in before.

Yes, JYNNEOS has been given Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA but, because it is fairly new and in high demand it is hard to get. Right now only people that have had a verified and known exposure to those with monkeypox can get the vaccine through the health department. HOPES is trained and ready to give the vaccines once they are made available.

Maybe. Monkeypox is a little different and the immunity from the original small pox vaccines wanes. So you can still be at risk even if you received the small pox vaccine before 1972.

COVID was very deadly and it caused a lot of deaths. Fortunately, monkeypox isn’t usually fatal, just very uncomfortable. So it’s doubtful the U.S. will institute shut-down policies like they did for COVID.

Don’t panic, don’t think it’s only a “gay disease” and keep social distancing as much as possible. Wash your hands, be mindful of any bumps or lesions you see on your body and if you do develop monkeypox, please stay home until all of the lesions are healed completely before going out. Self-isolation is one of the best ways we can keep it from continuing to spread.