8.03.22 – An Update on the Monkeypox Virus

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

An Update on the Monkeypox Virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the outbreak of monkeypox spreading across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. The CDC reports approximately 6,326 confirmed cases across the United States, with the majority of cases reported in New York, California, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

The CDC reports, “Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.”

How does monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox can spread through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, kissing, or sex, respiratory secretions, coming in contact with monkeypox rashes or scabs, or touching fabric, bath towels, or bedding used by someone infected with monkeypox.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Monkeypox symptoms often mirror flu symptoms, such as fever, chill, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. Rashes resembling pimples or blisters may appear on the genitals, anus, hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

Symptoms usually begin within three weeks of being exposed to the virus. Illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

How can we protect ourselves? Is there a vaccine?

Protect yourself by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who exhibit symptoms of monkeypox. Avoid contact with materials that someone infected with monkeypox has used. Wash your hands with soap and water often and use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

The CDC recommends vaccination for those who have known exposure to monkeypox and those that are at higher risk to contract the virus, although currently, vaccine availability is limited. On June 28th, the White House announced plans to combat the virus and make vaccines more widely available. Check with your healthcare provider for more information.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here. APFA will continue to provide updates.

In Solidarity,

Cathy Sharp
APFA National Health Chair
[email protected]