Monkeypox (MPX)
Updated 8/15/22
MPX is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox can infect animals, such as monkeys and rodents, as well as humans. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same group of viruses that cause smallpox and is not related to chicken pox. The first case of human monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the current outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.
In May 2022, several clusters of monkeypox were reported in countries that don't normally report human monkeypox cases, including the United States. There have been 219 cases reported in Maryland and nearly 9,500 cases reported in the United States.
Montgomery County is currently vaccinating a very small group of high-risk individuals. As more vaccine is received, there may be additional recommendations about vaccinating other residents. See the full press release for more information.
Virtual Townhall Meetings on Monkeypox
First in series of virtual town hall meetings for residents on Monkeypox & the LGBTQ+ Community will be on Monday, August 22nd from 6-7:30 p.m. EST.
The virtual town hall will be hosted on Zoom, will be streamed live on the County’s Facebook page. It also will be simulcast on County Cable Montgomery (CCM)--Comcast and RCN Channel 6 and HD 996 and 1056, respectively—and Channel 30 on Verizon. A recording of the event will be posted on the County’s Monkeypox website following the town hall.
Registration for the Zoom meeting is required. Questions can be submitted anonymously prior to the meeting. There also will be an opportunity to ask questions virtually at the meeting. Register for the meeting at https://bit.ly/3QkxfvS.
Montgomery County has developed a pre-registration survey to identify County residents who are interested in receiving a Monkeypox/ MPX vaccination AND are at risk for having been exposed to Monkeypox/MPX in the previous 4-14 days. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but is sexually associated. Anyone can get Monkeypox/MPX, but with a limited vaccine supply, our priority is to protect those who may have already been exposed. Our strategy (and pre-registration) will evolve as we learn more about who most urgently needs protection from Monkeypox/MPX.
Appointments are based on eligibility and vaccine supply and are not guaranteed.
Pre-registration survey is included in the vaccination section below.How is Monkeypox Spread?
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids (such as clothing or linens)
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
- It is possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal
- Can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Monkeypox?
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on face, inside the mouth, and other parts of the body, like hands, feet, chest genitals or anus
- Rash goes through different stages before healing completely and illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
What Should I Do if I Have Symptoms?
- Those with symptoms of monkeypox should speak with their healthcare provider, even if there is not known contact with someone who has monkeypox
- Avoid close contact with others until a healthcare provider examines you
- Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a health care provider examines you
- Follow the above precautions while awaiting test results
-
Residents who believe that they have been exposed to monkeypox should contact their health care provider or a community provider such as an urgent care center. Those without a health care provider can also call the Disease Control Program at 240-777-1755.
What Should I Do If My Test Result is Positive?
- Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations
- The CDC recommendation is to stay isolated until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed
How Can I Prevent Monkeypox?
- Avoid close, skin contact with the monkeypox rash
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of person with monkey pox
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox
- Do not share eating utensils of cups
- Do not handle or touch bedding, towels, or clothing of a sick person
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people
- A person with monkeypox should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets when possible
- Use personal protective equipment (such as a face mask) when in close contact with those with suspected or confirmed monkeypox
How Can I Get a Monkeypox Vaccination?
Montgomery County has developed a pre-registration survey to identify County residents who are interested in receiving an MPX vaccination AND are at risk for having been exposed to Monkeypox/MPX in the previous 4-14 days.
Monkeypox/MPX is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but is sexually associated. Anyone can get Monkeypox/MPX, but with a limited vaccine supply, our priority is to protect those who may have already been exposed. Our strategy (and pre-registration) will evolve as we learn more about who most urgently needs protection from Monkeypox/MPX.
Appointments are based on eligibility and vaccine supply and are not guaranteed.
Preregistration Survey (Amharic)
Preregistration Survey (Chinese)
Preregistration Survey (English)
Preregistration Survey (French)
Preregistration Survey (Korean)
Preregistration Survey (Spanish)
Preregistration Survey (Vietnamese)
It is not necessary to call the Department to check on the status of your appointment.
How is Monkeypox Treated?
- There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. Monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat for monkeypox.
Monkeypox (MPX) Resources from Maryland Department of Health
- Fact Sheet: Social Gatherings, Safer Sex, and Monkeypox
- Fact Sheet: The Facts About Human Monkeypox
- Fact Sheet: The Facts About Human Monkeypox [Spanish Language Version]
- Frequently Asked Questions About Monkeypox
- Let's Talk About Human Monkeypox: A Snapshot (3"x5")
- Let's Talk About Human Monkeypox: A Snapshot (3"x5") [Spanish Language Version]
More Information
For more information about monkeypox, visit the CDC website and the Maryland Department of Health website.