Monkeypox (MPX)

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare viral illness. Anyone can get MPX, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Since mid-May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in every state.

The CDC, Maryland Department of Health and Talbot County Health Department are working together to monitor the situation. At this time, the overall risk to the U.S. public is currently low.

Symptoms

Monkeypox (MPX) symptoms usually start within two weeks of exposure to the virus. The primary symptom is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters, often accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms. The rash can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus and may be itchy or painful.

Other symptoms of MPX can include:

Fever or chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache
Fatigue
Body aches (including muscle and back)

Some people may have other symptoms before a rash. The rash begins as a flat rash, then progresses to raised bumps which become filled with fluid (poxes). Eventually the rash crusts over and scabs develop over the course of 2-4 weeks, thus ending the infectious period. Some people may have only one sore, bump, or blister. This may look different from pictures you see online. Most people do not require hospitalization.

A person is infectious from symptom onset until scabs fall off and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed. The illness can last for about 2-4 weeks. Most people do not have serious complications from MPX but will need to stay home until they are no longer infectious.

How it spreads

MPX is spread through direct and indirect contact with the virus.

Human-to-human transmission:
- Direct contact with body fluids or skin lesions (i.e., skin to skin contact) is the most common mode of human-to-human transmission.
- Transmission via respiratory particles can also occur but usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact.
Clothing, bedding, and other objects:
- Transmission can occur from contact with contaminated clothing/bedding/towels or other objects used by a person with MPX.

Symptoms develop approximately 12 days after a person has been exposed but may be as early as 5 days and as late as 21 days.

Prevention

Take the following steps to prevent or decrease your risk for getting MPX:

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with MPX.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Having multiple or anonymous sex partners may increase your chances for exposure to MPX. Limiting your number of sex partners may reduce the possibility of exposure.
Talk to your partner about any recent illness and be aware of new or unexplained rash on your body or your partner’s body, including the genitals and anus. If you or your partner have recently been sick, currently feel sick, or have a new or an unexplained rash, do not have sex and see a health care provider.

At this time, it is not known if MPX can spread through semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids. We are trying to learn more.

Vaccine

CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox.

Talbot County Health Department has a very limited supply of Monkeypox vaccine, which is provided by the Maryland Department of Health. Vaccine is only available to certain high-risk individuals via provider referral.

WE WILL NOT vaccinate you if you have monkeypox or are experiencing monkeypox symptoms. If you have symptoms, contact your medical provider for evaluation, testing, and treatment options.

Vaccination is not treatment. If you have monkeypox and your symptoms resolve, you should speak to your healthcare provider to determine your eligibility for future vaccination.

Testing

At this time, the risk to the general public is low. Individuals who believe they were exposed to monkeypox or have an illness that could be monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider.

Isolation Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new isolation guidance for individuals with monkeypox as well as guidance for positive patients to prevent further spread. If you have monkeypox, isolate until your rash has fully healed. If you need to go out, cover your rash, wear a well-fitting mask, and avoid public transportation.

Read CDC’s updated isolation guidance for individuals who have been diagnosed with Monkeypox.