Monkeypox

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a virus that was first recorded in 1970. Generally a rare disease, in May of 2022, an outbreak occurred in the United Kingdom that has now spread across the US.

HOW DOES MONKEYPOX SPREAD?

Monkeypox is predominantly spread through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact. This may come in the form of touching an infected individual's scabs or rashes, through sex, through prolonged face-to-face contact (respiratory exposure), and even through fabrics or surfaces. Recent studies indicate that Monkeypox may also spread to pets.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most notable symptom of Monkeypox is a skin rash that generally looks like small blisters or pimples. These are generally quite painful and develop into scabs before healing. Other symptoms include fever, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, aches, and respiratory ailments (congestion, sore throat, runny nose, etc.). Some patients may only experience the rash and no other symptoms.

HOW LONG DO SYMPTOMS LAST?

Commonly, Monkeypox symptoms last 2-4 weeks. The disease can be spread from the onset of symptoms all the way through the scab phase. Not until a new layer of skin has formed and all expressions of the illness have subsided can a patient be deemed non-contagious.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MONKEYPOX?

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who is positive for the virus, or appears to have a rash like Monkeypox. Avoid touching objects and clothes that the infected individual has used. Wash your hands often. Avoid large gatherings with close body contact such as dance halls, concerts, raves, spas, etc. Reduce your sexual partners, and practice safe sex. Get vaccinated if possible.

DOES ADVANCED URGENT CARE TREAT MONKEYPOX?

While there is no cure or specific treatment for Monkeypox, at Advanced Urgent Care, we will assess patients individually to determine their best course of care. This may include antiviral drugs and medications to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the disease. On the positive side, Monkeypox generally clears up on its own with time, and rarely causes severe illness or death.

Information sourced from the CDC. ​https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html