Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. People with monkeypox get a unique rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses and then goes away. Other symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes people may only have the rash.

The type of monkeypox virus causing the current outbreaks is not usually fatal, and most people will get better within a few weeks after developing symptoms. However, people with a weakened immune system, children under 8 years old, people with a history of eczema, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.

Monkeypox usually spreads from person-to-person through direct physical contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids of another person who has monkeypox, including during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. The monkeypox virus can survive on surfaces, so spread can occur through contact with contaminated objects like bedding and clothing that has come into contact with another person’s infectious body fluids or skin lesion material. It can also spread from an infected person’s respiratory tract during prolonged face-to-face close contact.

A person with monkeypox can spread their infection starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms are not considered contagious or a risk to others.

Monkeypox is primarily spread through direct physical contact with another person who is sick with monkeypox or direct physical contact with their infectious body fluids. While monkeypox can be spread through respiratory droplets, this usually requires standing face-to-face with someone who is symptomatic for a long period of time. So briefly talking with someone or being in the same room with a person who has monkeypox is unlikely to cause to infection.

Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection as it is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. This may include contact that happens during sex, but monkeypox can be transmitted through contact that is not sexual, such as touching the infectious rash or scabs or by touching bedding used by someone who has the virus. Ongoing research is trying to find if it can spread through semen, or vaginal fluids.   

Be alert. Look for rashes or sores on people who you are planning on being in physical or intimate contact with. If they have a concerning rash, avoid physical or sexual contact.  Avoid sharing eating utensils, plates or cups with someone who is sick or having symptoms of monkeypox, and avoid handling their clothing or bedding.

 Avoid contact with other objects and materials a person with monkeypox has used. 

Minimize skin-to-skin contact at crowded events or venues where people may not be wearing much clothing, or consider not attending such events. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face. 
Anyone diagnosed with monkeypox should isolate at home until their symptoms are resolved to prevent further spread. Public health investigations may identify others who may have been exposed to monkeypox. If you receive notice of a possible exposure, watch yourself for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, call your local clinic or healthcare provider for testing. 

For more information, visit the CDC’s prevention information at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/social-gatherings.html

Anyone with monkeypox should:

• Stay home and away from other people and animals, including people and animals in the home
• Stay in their own room and use their own bathroom
• Limit touching commonly used objects or shared items in the home
• Clean and disinfect touched surfaces that other people may come into contact with
• Be careful how cloths and linens are laundered
• Practice frequent hand washing or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching the rash; keep skin rash and sores covered
• Wear a well-fitting mask if contact with others cannot be avoided (e.g., when getting medical care or in a shared living space)
• Household members of a person with monkeypox should also wear a well-fitting mask to protect themselves if they need to be around the person with monkeypox (e.g., to assist with personal or medical care)

See CDC’s guidance for further details and instructions:

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/if-sick/preventing-spread.html

People with monkeypox should isolate at home until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. This could take up to 2-4 weeks from the beginning of symptom onset. If a person with monkeypox needs to leave isolation for any reason, that person needs to discuss the situation first with public health so we can help avoid exposing other people.

You can tell your partners anonymously using the Tell Your Partner website: https://tellyourpartner.org

Although there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with monkeypox in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with monkeypox limit contact with animals, particularly rodents and lagomorphs, until more information is known about the presence and spread of the virus in the United States.

• When possible, another member of the household should care for the pet.
• The infected person should avoid contact with the pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
• If an infected person must care for the pet while they are sick, they should wear long sleeves, disposable gloves, and a face covering as well as washing hands before and after interacting with them. Making sure to cover rashes or other skin lesions associated with monkeypox virus infection should be done to limit the pet’s contact with virus.
• When the human owner is no longer infectious as determined by the public health official assisting with their monitoring, they can return to normal animal care practices.

Additional information about care for pets in the home of monkeypox infected persons can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/pets-in-homes.html

The CDC provides general guidance on cleaning and disinfecting the home. Please review the guidance at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/home-disinfection.html.

People with monkeypox should handle their own laundry and keep it separate from the laundry of the other people in the home. Soiled laundry should never be shaken or handled in a way that could spread infectious particles. Laundry should be kept in an impermeable container that can be disinfected after, or in a fabric bag that can be washed with the clothing. Landry can be washed in a standard washing machine with regular detergent (follow label instructions). Avoid public laundry facilities.

See CDC’s guidance for more details: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/home-disinfection.html