Monkeypox

No. Unlike the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the monkeypox virus has been observed and studied since the 1950s.

A human case of monkeypox was first recorded in 1970, and there have been occasional monkeypox outbreaks since then.

While the name leads many people to believe the virus comes from monkeys, the true source of the monkeypox virus remains unknown.

Monkeypox is in the news due to an outbreak that began in the United Kingdom in May 2022 and has since spread around the globe.

As of early August, the current outbreak has led to more than 30,000 confirmed cases globally, with thousands of confirmed cases in the United States - including more than 150 in Massachusetts.

The most distinctive feature of monkeypox infection is a rash, often located on or near the genitals, anus, hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

The rash often appears pimple- or blister-like at first, and can be painful or itchy. As the rash heals, it progresses through several stages, often scabbing over before healing.

Todd Ellerin, MD, Director of Infectious Disease, recently discussed the monkeypox rash with WCVB - watch now.

Other common monkeypox symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle/back aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.

It’s important to note that symptoms will differ from person to person: some may experience flu-like symptoms then a rash, some may only have a rash, and some may have a rash first followed by other symptoms.

It’s important to note that while monkeypox is a serious public health concern, it doesn’t spread as easily as the virus that causes COVID-19.

Monkeypox is most often spread through close, personal contact between an infected individual and another person.

In most cases, this contact is skin-to-skin contact with the rash, scabs, or bodily fluid of an infected individual during sex, hugging, massage, kissing, and other face-to-face contact.

In other cases, transmission can occur through contact with objects, clothing, bedding, towels, or other surfaces used by an infected individual. 

Monkeypox can also be spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions (i.e. fluids from the lungs, mouth, nose, or throat), though research continues as to how often this method of transmission occurs.

It’s not clear at this time whether or not monkeypox can be spread by asymptomatic individuals.

If you think you may have monkeypox, please do not report to the Emergency Department -  the Emergency Department should be reserved for emergency treatment only.

Patients who are experiencing symptoms consistent with monkeypox or who think they may have been exposed to monkeypox should contact their primary care provider for further guidance.

Patients without a primary care provider should visit their nearest walk-in urgent care location or community health clinic for evaluation and testing.

Monkeypox is rarely fatal. 

Typically, illness from monkeypox infection resolves in 2-4 weeks.

Due to limited supply, vaccination against monkeypox isn’t recommended for the general public at this time. 

Vaccine supply is prioritized for individuals at greatest risk of exposure. If an individual believes they qualify for a monkeypox vaccine, they should contact their care provider or one of the state’s provider locations.

Please visit the state website to find their nearest vaccination clinic. 

For more information on current eligibility requirements, please visit the Massachusetts state website.