2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak

The CDC is closely tracking cases of monkeypox recently detected in the United States. As of July Ist, the total case count was 460 spanning across 36 states. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus and is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal.

Monkeypox Quick Facts:

• Symptoms of monkeypox can include: Fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes & a rash.
• The rash 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 will often go through different stages before healing completely.
• It is important to note that sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
• The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
• The virus can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious
  rash, scabs, or body fluids.
• While there is no widespread treatment for monkeypox, antivirals, such as tecovirimat, may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
• If health providers suspect a case of monkeypox, they should contact their local public health department (845-364-2512) OR the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100). Currently, the CDC is recommending all suspected specimens be sent through the state public health department. Recommended specimen type is skin lesion material.