What To Know About MONKEYPOX

By Olivia Duffield
From PHN Issue 50, Summer/Fall 2022

You may have heard recently about an outbreak of a virus called “monkeypox” in the United States and elsewhere. As of July 2022, there have been over 3,000 recorded cases of monkeypox in the U.S. It was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization on July 23, and, at this time, there have now been a few cases identified in prisons throughout the U.S.

Anyone can get monkeypox, and it spreads through direct contact with infected animals or humans. In the U.S. right now, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men, but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category. Early signs of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes. After a few days, a blistering rash will develop. Eventually, the blisters crust over and fall off—the whole process can last two to four weeks. People who have monkeypox or a suspected case of monkeypox should be isolated from other individuals.

Those who have been exposed to monkeypox or are at risk of being exposed to monkeypox are now eligible to receive the smallpox vaccine. The smallpox virus is a similar virus to monkeypox, and past data shows that the smallpox virus is about 85% effective against monkeypox (CDC). In prisons where the virus has been identified so far, specifically Cook County Jail in Chicago, the vaccine has been offered to people who are at risk of contracting the disease. We hope that this will continue to be offered in prisons across the country to prevent the spread.

In the meantime, it is recommended to avoid physical contact, clothes, and bedding from those who have been known to be infected. If you work in a laundry facility, it is advised to use eye protection, gloves, and a mask when washing bedding that may have been in contact with an infected individual. If this is not possible, individuals should wash hands with soap and water after contact with potentially infected materials. Fortunately, most people with monkeypox will get better on their own without treatment. It is rarely fatal, but can cause significant pain and scars.

We at PHN hope that you remain healthy and safe in these uncertain times, and that you will be better informed about this emerging public health risk.