What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a virus that is similar to smallpox. People present with body aches, chills and later develop a blistering rash that can be very painful, like shingles. Monkeypox is a systemic infection, not just a skin condition. It can travel throughout the body by the blood stream affecting multiple organ systems and can cause painful sores in the mouth and anus leading to difficulty eating or moving your bowels.

How is Monkeypox Spread? Monkeypox is spread in a variety of ways: from skin-to-skin contact, from sexual contact, shared food, contaminated air and contaminated surfaces.

Do I need to be worried? Currently monkeypox is not widespread in our community. The best way to avoid this is to avoid close contact with people who have fever, body aches, or rashes that are unexplained. Wearing a mask in public spaces and hand washing will reduce your risk even further.

Is there a vaccine? There is a vaccine for monkeypox, but supplies are extremely limited and are only being given to certain high-risk groups at this point. There are only 1900 doses for all of the metropolitan region and these are only being distributed by the county health department. We will let you know when this becomes more widely available.

Prior small pox vaccination may provide some slight protection, but it is unlikely to be sufficient protection as boosters are needed but haven’t been given in the U.S. in the last 50 years.

Is there a treatment? Typically, treatment is supportive, like pain control and dressing open sores. There are therapies for people who become severely affected with this virus.  

What do I do if I think I have been exposed? If you suspect you have monkeypox, please call the office. We do have the ability to test you, but for the safety of our other patients and staff, you will need to be seen outdoors.

Here's another resource with information on the Monkeypox outbreak that you can download to read: Update_on_the_Monkeypox_Outbreak.pdf