¿What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus and it can be transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also be transmitted from person to person. It is called monkeypox because it was discovered when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people. Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close personal contact with someone close to them who has monkeypox can get it. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually last two to four weeks and go away on their own without treatment. People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Exhaustion

  • Muscle aches and backache

  • Headache

  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may also 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.

What to do if I have symptoms?

  • See a doctor if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms of monkeypox.

  • Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with other people until seen by your doctor.

  • Avoid close contact with pets or other animals.

  • If you are waiting for test results, follow the same precautions.

  • If your test result is positive, isolate yourself and follow other prevention practices until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of intact skin has formed.

  • Stay isolated if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. Only go out to see a health care provider or for an emergency and avoid public transportation.

  • If you need to come out of isolation, you should cover the rash and wear a mask that covers you well..

What is the vaccine for monkeypox?

The vaccine is called JYNNEOS and for people 18 years of age and older. The vaccine is given as a two-dose series. The two doses should be given 28 days apart.

Who can receive the monkeypox vaccine?

Eligibility may change as the outbreak evolves and based on vaccine availability. For now, people 18 YEARS OR OLDER who meet one of these conditions can be vaccinated:

  • If have multiple sex partners regardless of your sexual identity or preference and one has been diagnosed with monkeypox in the last 2 weeks.

  • Have had close contact (skin to skin or sexual) with someone with monkeypox recently.

  • Had sex at a commercial venue like a sex club in the last 2 weeks.

  • You anticipate having sex at a commercial venue, having sex with multiple partners.

  • Be 18 years old or older.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects. However, the most common side effects after JYNNEOS vaccination are redness and itching at the spot where the vaccine is given as well as headache, tiredness, nausea, chills, and muscle aches.

Some people who received the JYNNEOS vaccine into the skin reported minimal redness or hardening at the injection site lasting up to several months. Some people also reported small firm lumps or skin discoloration at the injection site.

There is a remote chance that the vaccine could cause a serious allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction usually occurs within a few minutes to an hour after receiving a dose of the vaccine. For this reason, your immunization provider may ask you to stay to monitor you after your vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the face and throat

• Rapid heartbeat

• A strong rash all over the body

• Dizziness and weakness

These may not be all the possible side effects of JYNNEOS. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Possible side effects of JYNNEOS are being monitored during use of this vaccine.

REMEMBER:

  • Getting vaccinated before you are exposed to monkeypox provides the best chance to prevent disease.

  • If you have already been exposed, getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure to someone with monkeypox (ideally within 4 days) may help prevent the disease, or make it less severe.

  • If you need help deciding whether you should get vaccinated, talk to a healthcare provider or contact your local health department. They can help you determine if you should get vaccinated.

If you think you have symptoms and they might be related to monkeypox, contact your doctor immediately. If you have had close contact with someone who has these symptoms or suspects that there is a possibility of being infected, notify your doctor.

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