NCDHHS Monkeypox Resource Page                    CDC Monkeypox Resource Page

What is it? Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. 

How is it spread? Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. In addition, pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids is another way Monkeypox spreads. It’s also possible for people to get Monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

People who do not have Monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Can I get Monkeypox from having sex? Even though it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, Monkeypox can spread during intimate physical contact between people.  This contact can happen when you have sex, including:

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals or anus of a person with Monkeypox
• Hugging, massaging, kissing, or talking closely
• Touching fabrics, shared surfaces, and objects, such as bedding, towels, and sex toys, that were used by a person with Monkeypox

Anyone can get Monkeypox if they have close personal contact with someone who has symptoms of monkeypox.

What are symptoms of Monkeypox? 

Symptoms of Monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
  • The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after infection.

What should I do if you have symptoms?

• See a healthcare provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other Monkeypox symptoms.
• Remind the healthcare provider that Monkeypox is circulating.
• Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you.
• Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you.
• If you’re waiting for test results, follow the same precautions.
• If your test result is positive, stay isolated and observe other prevention practices until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
• Remain isolated if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. Only go out to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency and avoid public transportation.
• If you need to leave isolation, you should cover the rash and wear a well-fitting mask.

How do I protect myself from 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.

How do I get tested?

Testing is widely available and encouraged if you had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Monkeypox, or have symptoms of monkey pox including unexplained bumps, sores, blisters, or pimples that look like monkeypox.  There is no shortage of testing supplies, and people with symptoms of Monkeypox should go to their health care provider or a or local health department to get tested. Samples must be collected by a health care professional, and they must follow a specific procedure to collect a good sample for testing. NCDHHS recommends providers test any patient with a suspicious lesion or sore.

What treatments are available for Monkeypox?

There are no treatments specifically for Monkeypox virus infections. However, because of genetic similarities in the viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox may be used to treat Monkeypox infections.

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

Can I get a Monkeypox vaccine?

Vaccines are available to protect against Monkeypox or to reduce disease severity. NC DHHS has expanded the vaccine eligibility criteria to include:

• Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with Monkeypox,
• and Gay or bisexual men or transgender individuals who report any of the following in the last 90 days:
  • Having multiple sex partners or anonymous sex
  • Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
  • Receiving medications to prevent HIV infection (PrEP)