What You Need to Know about Monkeypox
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What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox has been infecting humans since 1970, primarily in Africa. It’s a contagious disease caused by a virus. Even though cases have been reported recently in Europe and the United States, it is still rare on these continents.
Monkeypox Symptoms
Animals can transmit monkeypox. However, in the United States, it is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Direct contact includes touching the rash or scabs of the person or having intimate contact with them.
Also, you can get monkeypox by touching unwashed objects, fabrics, and surfaces used by someone who has monkeypox. Less commonly, you can get it through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Time Period
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
Once they develop symptoms, most people have monkeypox for 2 to 4 weeks. Until the bumps go away, a person who has monkeypox is contagious and can spread the virus to others.
If You Have Symptoms
If you have a new rash and suspect it could be monkeypox, you should call your doctor or dermatologist to let them know your symptoms. The FDA currently approves no specific treatment for monkeypox, but diagnosis is essential so that you can be sure not to spread the disease to others.
Remember that monkeypox is rare in the United States, but it’s always good to have any new rash checked out if you don’t know what it is.
