Monkeypox

Last Updated 10/25/2022

medical

Monkeypox Frequently Asked Questions

Monkeypox is a disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is from the same family of viruses that cause smallpox, however, the symptoms of monkeypox are milder and rarely fatal.
It is spread from one person to another through
  • Skin to skin contact with another person who has a monkeypox rash, sores or scabs
  • Respiratory droplets or oral fluids during intimate sexual contact (such as kissing, or sex) with someone with monkeypox
  • Touching fabrics, objects, or surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
  • Common symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, body aches and fatigue.
  • 1-3 days after the fever, the rash develops (i.e. Involves face, genital/rectal area, mouth, and palms/soles Starts as red bumps, which become fluid filled, and scab over )
  • Symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure
    • The rash from monkeypox usually starts as raised bumps, that become fluid filled and then scab over. monkey pox image monkey pox image
  • There are currently no specific treatments for monkeypox.
  • Individuals diagnosed with monkeypox infection should isolate and avoid intimate contact until all of their skin lesions have healed. See CDC guidelines for details regarding isolation after diagnosis with monkeypox.
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with an individual who has a rash that looks like monkeypox
  • Do not handle bedding, towels or clothes of someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
  • If you have developed a rash, feel ill, or think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, please make an appointment with a healthcare provider. UNCG students can make an appointment at Student Health Services by calling 336-334-5340.
  • Testing is widely available.
  • Until you have been seen by a healthcare provider, keep the rash covered and wear a well-fitting mask when around others.
    • Vaccine is currently available in a limited supply for:
  • Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox
  • Men who have sex with men or transgender individuals who are sexually active
  • People who have had sexual contact with men who have sex with men or transgender individuals in the past 90 days
  • People living with HIV, or taking medications to prevent HIV (PrEP)
  • People who have been diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days

    • People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue
  • Sex in association with a large public event
  • Sexual partners of people with the above risks, or
  • People who anticipate experiencing the above risks

    • Please contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 336-641-3245 to request vaccination. This vaccine is not available at Student Health Services.

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