Monkeypox FAQs
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus (Monkeypox virus). Monkeypox virus is part of the same family as the variola virus, the virus that causes Smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to Smallpox, but milder, and Monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox can cause a rash which may look like pimples or blisters, sometimes with flu-like illness.
Symptoms of Monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other body parts, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after infection. A person is considered to be infectious until all scabs separate and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. The virus can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or bodily 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 bedding and towels that were used by a person with Monkeypox can spread the virus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with symptoms concerning for Monkeypox should seek medical care. This includes anyone who has had contact with a person with confirmed or suspected Monkeypox.
The CDC recommends monitoring temperatures twice a day if exposed to someone with Monkeypox. Once symptoms develop, immediate isolation is recommended.
There are no treatments specifically for Monkeypox virus infections. However, Monkeypox and Smallpox virus infections are genetically similar, which means antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against Smallpox may be used to prevent and treat Monkeypox virus infections.
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended and can only be obtained through the Indiana Department of Health at this time.
Vaccines, such as the JYNNEOS vaccine is available through the Indiana Department of Health to those individuals who meet the criteria.
You can get tested for Monkeypox at Butler University Student Health Services. If you have a concerning rash and/or have had a known or suspected positive exposure to Monkeypox please call Butler Health Services to schedule an appointment. Your medical provider will determine if testing is warranted based on symptoms and risk factors. The test for Monkeypox virus is a Qualitative Real Time PCR test that involves a swab of the suspected lesion with a cotton swab and is painless. The results may take up to 2-3 days to receive.