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Monkeypox
Monkeypox is an infectious viral disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus that can occur in humans and some other animals. Symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over), but milder, and Monkeypox is rarely fatal. The Monkeypox virus is spread mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has Monkeypox. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from five to 21 days. The duration of symptoms is typically two to four weeks.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 15,000 confirmed cases of Monkeypox nationwide as of August 23, just as college and high school students are preparing to return to classes. Should you worry about your kid catching Monkeypox at school?
Monkeypox Facts and Figures
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache, muscle pains, shivering, blistering rash, swollen lymph nodes |
| Complications | Secondary infections, eye infection, visual loss, scarring, encephalitis, sepsis bronchopneumonia |
| Usual Onset | 5–21 days post exposure |
| Duration | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Types | Central African (Congo Basin), West African |
| Causes | Monkeypox virus |
| Diagnostic Method | Testing for viral DNA |
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Have a New or Unexplained Rash?
Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked by a healthcare provider.
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Minorities Bear Brunt of the Virus
Of the more than 4,900 cases reported in the U.S., Hispanic and Black Americans make up a disproportionate share of cases compared to their share of the U.S. population.
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Your Risk of Infection
Monkeypox (MPX) is not like COVID-19 and it is much less contagious.
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Who is most at risk of contracting Monkeypox?
The most susceptible group are men who have sex with men (MSM).
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Treating Monkeypox
Antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat Monkeypox virus infection.
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Symptoms During Pregnancy
Data regarding monkeypox infection in pregnancy are limited. It is unknown if pregnant women are more susceptible to Monkeypox virus or if infection is more severe in pregnancy.
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Treating Monkeypox
Most monkeypox cases resolve with only the use of over-the-counter medications for symptomatic care.