With news reports of a virus called monkeypox on the rise, you may have questions about how concerned you may need to be and what measures you and your loved ones can take to stay safe and healthy.
UI Hospitals & Clinics Hospital Epidemiologist Karen Brust, MD, answers these questions and more.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is related to variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, which give us the name ‘monkeypox.’
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 parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
Monkeypox is spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Yes. There have been confirmed cases of monkeypox in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health tracks this information. You can learn more at idph.iowa.gov.
UI Health Care is prepared to treat anyone who has or may have monkeypox.
If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Your provider may arrange a telehealth or in-person visit.
If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Your provider may arrange a telehealth or in-person visit to arrange for testing, if determined necessary.
Infections with the type of monkeypox virus identified in this outbreak are rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.
The good news is if you’re already following COVID-19 safety precautions like washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, keeping your distance from others, and wearing a mask, you’re well on your way to protecting yourself from monkeypox as well. To help prevent monkeypox, there are a few additional steps you should take.
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.
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.
Infected animals can spread Monkeypox virus to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread Monkeypox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
People with monkeypox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus. Read more about how pets may be impacted.
Because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, vaccines developed to protect against smallpox viruses may be used to prevent monkeypox infections.
At this time, UI Health Care has not received any vaccine for Monkeypox. Because supplies are limited in the United States, the vaccine has been used only for people with a known exposure to someone who has tested positive for monkeypox. Please contact your local public health office for details about your eligibility for this vaccine.
Yes. The safety practices we put in place for COVID-19 continue to make UI Health Care a safe place to receive care.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.
