MonkeyPox

Over the weekend the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a Global Emergency; with more than 16,000 cases in 75 countries. There are several cases; including those involving children, in the Atlanta area.

Quick Facts: - Rare - The first human case was in 1970 but first discovered in 1958 in a colony of monkeys - Monkeypox virus is in the same family as SmallPox - Symptoms are similar to SmallPox but milder — rarely fatal

How is it spread: - Direct Contact (touching someone's rash with Monkeypox or their items) - Prolonged face-to-face contact - Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus

Signs and Symptoms: *(Typically the rash is first)* - Fever - Headache - Muscle aches / backache - Swollen lymph nodes - Rash (pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, or on hands, feet, chest, genitals)

**YOU ARE CONTAGIOUS UNTIL THE RASH HAS HEALED AND A FRESH LAYER OF SKIN HAS FORMED (2-4 WEEKS).**

Prevention: - Avoid contact with someone with Monkeypox (touching, kissing, using utensils or towels, etc.)

Treatment: - Isolate yourself from people and pets (UNTIL RASH HAS HEALED) - 5 commercial labs including LabCorp and Quest can test for this virus - Monkeypox and Smallpox are similar therefore you can be treated with smallpox antivirals

Vaccination: - For those who have been exposed - People who are at high risk of being exposed (for example, healthcare workers) - Georgia is currently receiving the JYNNEOS vaccine (Licensed in 2019) - JYNNEOS is a two-dose series, at least four weeks apart. Currently for those 18 years & up.