Overview
Santa Fe College is providing this informational resource to the college community to better protect themselves from monkeypox. For up-to-date medical information, be sure to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s monkeypox webpage.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox, but it is unrelated to chickenpox. Though rarely fatal, monkeypox is a serious disease. Both the World Health Organization and The United States Department of Health and Human Services have declared monkeypox a public health emergency.
Symptoms of monkeypox
Symptoms of monkeypox include a rash or sores on the face and body. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue. Sometimes these symptoms occur before the onset of the rash or sores.
Spread of Monkeypox
Monkeypox is most commonly transmitted through close, prolonged contact with infected people or animals. It can also be spread through sustained contact with objects or fabric used or worn by an infected person or through respiratory droplets. An infected individual can spread the virus to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has completely healed. The illness lasts 2-4 weeks.
Who is susceptible to monkeypox?
Although anyone can become infected with monkeypox regardless of age, gender identity or sexual orientation, the CDC is reporting that 99% of cases in the U.S. have been in men.
What to do if you think you have monkeypox
Cover all parts of the rash with clothing or bandages, and wear a mask until you can see a health care provider.
Treatment and vaccines for monkeypox
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox. Currently, the county health departments are the best resource to get the vaccine.