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Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral illness with symptoms similar to but typically milder than smallpox. The CDC is tracking an outbreak of monkeypox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has enhanced local surveillance and public health preparedness activities to monitor and respond to the emerging public health issue of monkeypox. Sign up here for email notices from SMCHD.

Local Updates

How It Spreads

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

  • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, including semen
  • Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
  • Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals by:

  • Being scratched or bitten by an infected animal
  • Preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Scientists are still researching whether monkeypox can be spread by an infected person who does not have symptoms. Learn More.

Signs & Symptoms 

In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, or genitals

Skin lesions may be painful or itchy, and progress through the following stages before falling off:

  • Macules (small and flat)
  • Papules (small bumps)
  • Vesicles (small blisters filled with clear fluid)
  • Pustules (small blisters filled with pus)
  • Crusting & scabbing over

You may experience all or only a few symptoms

Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Click here for more information on symptoms and examples of monkeypox rashes.

Risk Factors

Any person exposed to monkeypox virus can develop monkeypox illness. The current conditions of the 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox virus involve a higher risk of exposure to the virus with certain activities, though this may change with ongoing community spread of the virus. People who may be at higher risk under current outbreak conditions might include but are not limited to those who:

  • Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like monkeypox or with someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox
  • Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
  • Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox activity has been ongoing
  • Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

Prevention

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates – Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched
  • Learn more about prevention at social gatherings

If you think you may have monkeypox:

  • Isolate at home
  • If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible
  • Seek medical evaluation (please call ahead to notify the health care team of your concern)

More Information For…

Healthcare Providers
Congregate Settings
People with Pets

Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Monkeypox Questions

Suspected or Confirmed Monkeypox

If you have symptoms of monkeypox or may have been exposed to someone with monkeypox – Call ahead to your health care provider’s office or urgent care center, tell them your concerns, and avoid close contacts with others until you can be evaluated.

Click here for Treatment & Vaccine Information

Additional Resources

Updated: 7/18/22

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