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Monkeypox
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus. You can get monkeypox if you:
- Touch the rash or scabs of an infected person
- Touch contaminated objects such as bed linens, clothing, or medical equipment used by an infected person
- Are within a few feet of an infected person and breathe in the virus released when they cough or sneeze
- Touch or are bitten or scratched by an infected mammal
- Touch contaminated products or objects from or touched by infected animals, such as skins (hides), meat, or animal bedding.
Monkeypox symptoms usually occur in two stages.
The first stage is often characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck and arm pits), and tiredness.
The second stage characterized by a rash occurs 1 to 3 days after the fever begins. The rash can begin on any part of the body. The lesions of the rash (bumps/blisters) develop on any part of the body, including genital areas. The lesions can also spread to other parts of the body. The rash often goes through several stages before scabbing over and resolving.
The monkeypox virus can be spread to others by an infected person until all the scabs fall off and a fresh layer of skin appears. Monkeypox can last up to a month and can be fatal in as many as 1 to 11% of people who become infected
Monkeypox
Who is at risk?
Currently there is an outbreak in non-African countries, and many patients affected have been men who had close social or intimate (including sexual) contact with men.
Monkeypox is found mainly in Central and West Africa, often in tropical forested areas, although monkeypox has also spread in cities.
Cases are rare among travelers but have occurred.
Travelers such as veterinarians and wildlife professionals may be at risk if they work with infected animals. People who care for monkeypox patients without using appropriate infection control practices are also more likely to get infected.
What can travelers do to prevent Monkeypox?
Travelers can protect themselves against infection by taking the following steps.
Avoid close contact (including sexual contact) with people who are sick or have a rash and contaminated items
- Do not kiss, hug, or touch.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups.
- Do not touch the bedding or clothing of a sick person.
Wash your hands
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Avoid animals when traveling
- Don’t touch live or dead wild animals.
- Do not touch or eat products that come from wild animals.
- Avoid touching materials, such as bedding, that have been used by animals.
- If you are traveling to work with animals, wear appropriate protective equipment and take additional precautions.
- Seek additional information and guidance if working with animals suspected of monkeypox infection
