All You Need to Know About Monkeypox in NYC

There has been news of a monkeypox outbreak recently. According to the official New York City Health (NYC Health) website, as of July 21st, 2022, over seven hundred people in NYC have tested positive for monkeypox. The rate is increasing and it is predicted that there are more cases that have not been diagnosed yet.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox (which is also known as orthopoxvirus) is a virus. Everyone is vulnerable to getting the virus and spreading it.

How is Monkeypox Spread?

The monkeypox virus is transmitted through direct contact with someone who has the virus, contact with personal items of someone who has the virus, or through respiratory droplets. According to NYC Health monkeypox can be spread by sex or other intimate activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal sex, hugging, kissing, cuddling, massage, and contact with bedding or other items of someone with the virus.

What are the Symptoms of Monkeypox?

The most common symptom of monkeypox is a rash and/or sores. They can be itchy and painful. The rash and/or sores could be localized to just certain parts of the body such as the face, hands, feet, mouth, and genitals or it could be all over the body. People who are infected may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue before or at the same time as the rash. Symptoms normally appear within two weeks to three weeks of being exposed. Monkeypox is contagious for an average of two to four weeks, until the rash and/or sores have all healed.

What Do You Do If You Have Been Exposed to Monkeypox?

Getting vaccinated after recent exposure to monkeypox may lessen the chance of developing the virus or help decrease symptoms. People who have been recently exposed may be eligible to get the monkeypox vaccine if they meet eligibility requirements. The vaccine is a series of two shots that are at least a month apart. Supplies are limited at this time. The Health Department is notifying individuals who have been in close contact with the monkeypox virus and giving them instructions on how to get vaccinated.

What Do You Do If You Have Monkeypox?

If you think you may have monkeypox then you should isolate yourself away from others and call a healthcare provider. Wear a face mask and cover the sores with clothing if you go to see a healthcare provider. The test for monkeypox involves a simple swab of the rash or sores. Avoid any intimate contact and sharing any personal items with others. If you must be around others in your household wear a face mask and clothing over your rash. Be diligent about hand hygiene, keeping items separate, and washing any shared surfaces.

For more information visit the NYC Health website by clicking here.

Resources

Monkeypox (orthopoxvirus). Monkeypox — NYC Health. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/monkeypox.page

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