Monkeypox Information
What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus.
What Are the Symptoms?
Common symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. The rash may be on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. Symptoms are usually mild or moderate and typically resolve within two to four weeks.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
Monkeypox spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infection rash, scabs or body fluids. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact. Any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread monkeypox.
Should I Receive the Vaccine for Monkeypox?
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been in close contact with people who have monkeypox. The current supply of the vaccine is limited, so currently vaccination is prioritized for individuals at high risk. Eligibility for vaccination varies locally, but typically includes groups considered to be at high risk for monkeypox, including:
- People who have been in close physical contact with someone with monkeypox in the past two weeks
- People who have had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox cases
- People whose jobs may expose them to monkeypox, including some healthcare or public health workers
The preferred vaccine to protect against monkeypox is Jynneos. There is a limited supply of Jynneos, but more is expected in the coming weeks and months. Contact your local health department for information about vaccine eligibility and testing.
Is Monkeypox Similar to COVID-19?
Monkeypox is much less contagious and less likely to cause severe illness or death than COVID-19. The spread of monkeypox is also different than the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in a few key ways:
- There is already a vaccine for monkeypox.
- Monkeypox can be treated with available antiviral medicines.
- While COVID-19 passed easily from person to person, monkeypox does not spread as easily between people. Monkeypox transmission typically requires skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with body fluids or prolonged, close face-to-face contact.
Information Resources
- Local: Milwaukee Health Department: (Education, Testing and Vaccine Information)
- State: Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Monkeypox information
