Q: How can I get a Vaccine?
A: Due to lack of resources, at the moment only high risk individuals are recommended for vaccination. If you are within the high risk group you can talk to your health care provider or the Public Health office to have your name added to the waitlist.
Q: How can I protect myself from monkeypox?
A: Smallpox and monkeypox vaccines may reduce the chances of getting monkeypox.
The CDC recommends taking the following precautions to prevent getting or spreading monkeypox:
- 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.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
- 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, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
Q: What situations or activities could put me at risk for monkeypox?
A: You may be more at risk for monkeypox in the following situations:
- Close, intimate contact with an infected person.
- Living in the same household that increases chances of contact with a person or contaminated objects.
- Exposure to respiratory droplets of an infected person through close, face-to-face contact.
- Attending indoor gatherings that could put you in direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
Note: While anyone who engages in these activities are at risk, the current outbreak is mostly occurring among men who report having intimate contact with other men. Risk and guidance could change if monkeypox continues to spread.
Q: How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.
Q: How is monkeypox diagnosed?
A: Monkeypox is diagnosed through special laboratory tests on samples taken from people or animals suspected of having monkeypox lesions. If you are concerned about a possible monkeypox infection, reach out to your provider.
Q: What is the treatment for monkeypox?
A: There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. Antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox and monkeypox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. People who have symptoms of monkeypox should contact their provider.
Q: Can my pets contract monkeypox?
A: Some mammals can contract and transmit monkeypox. While there is much we do not know about animal transmission, the CDC has an excellent summary of animals and monkeypox.
Q: Where can I find more info about monkeypox?
A: If you have concerns about monkeypox, contact your health care provider. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.