Monkeypox update

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Although we are seeing an outbreak of cases across the U.S. and the world this summer, it remains rare. The illness associated with monkeypox can include fever, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The most prominent feature of the illness is a rash, which can occur with or without the other symptoms. The rash starts as spots that progress to fluid-filled bumps and eventually break open and leave a scab. Monkeypox is spread by close contact with an infected individual. This close contact can be during sexual activity, but monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection.

Vaccines and treatments for monkeypox are available in the community and may be recommended for those who have tested positive or had close, prolonged contact with an infected individual. If you have further questions about monkeypox, you can find more information at cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/index.html.