MonkeyPox

Updated: May 18, 2023

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.

Here are some 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)

• Prolong face-to—face contact (for example during kissing)

• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus

  
  

Signs and Symptoms:

(Typically the rash is first)

•           Fever

•           Headache

•           Muscle arches/backache

•           Swollen lymph nodes

•           Rash (pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, or on hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus)

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, least four weeks apart. Currently; for those 18 years & up.