• 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.

• 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.

• 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.  

• 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

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)

• 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.