Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is in the same family as smallpox, although much less severe. Its name is characterized by the pox illness that occurs upon infection, producing flu-like symptoms and leading to an outbreak of lesions. It was first discovered in 1958. However, as recent as May 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported tracking cases of monkeypox in countries that normally don’t report monkeypox, including the U.S. The virus is usually abbreviated as MPV, but sometimes as MPX or MPXV as well. 

Monkeypox virus can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected person, animal, or materials contaminated with the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. Monkeypox can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to face contact.  
• Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores.  
• Monkeypox can spread through contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.

At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. 

Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Muscle aches 
• Back ache 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Chills 
• Exhaustion 
• Rash followed by lesions 

Not everyone has all these symptoms, so some may only have a rash, and others may not have a rash, but could have the other symptoms. Rash or lesions will typically begin to appear in 1-3 days after the initial fever, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. Rash or lesions may also appear around the genitals or anus, however, be aware of skin rashes or lesions that be isolated to one part of your body and if you note any unexpected or unexplained changes, see a healthcare provider. 

Monkeypox appears to be spreading now among some sexual and social networks of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). However, it is not exclusive to MSM communities. Viruses and bacteria can and do infect anyone regardless of sexual orientation. It is also not a sexually transmitted infection. Instead, it is spread through close contact. Anyone can get monkeypox, including heterosexual people, women, transgender and nonbinary people, and others.  

Avoid skin-to-skin contact. Sharing direct skin-to-skin contact should be limited or avoided when there is a higher likelihood of contracting monkeypox (i.e. at events where people can be expected to have minimal to no clothing and large crowds in enclosed spaces). While monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, it appears to be transmitted at a higher rate through sex, which has a high rate of skin-to-skin contact. Practice avoiding intimate activities if you have flu-like symptoms or have developed any abnormal rashes or lesions on your body.  

Practice good handwashing and cleaning of infected surfaces. Continue to practice hand washing with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, especially after encountering a person with monkeypox. Avoid infected surfaces with unwashed materials and objects that have been exposed to direct or intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox.  

Mask up. Masks are encouraged to help prevent the spread through respiratory droplets in situations with face-to-face contact.  

Isolate. Quarantine yourself from others if you have become exposed to or infected with monkeypox. Avoid contact with those who have the infection.  

Talk with your health care provider. Health officials recommend talking to your healthcare provider about getting the smallpox vaccine within 2 weeks of exposure to someone diagnosed with monkeypox.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, although treatment with an antiviral may be beneficial for some individuals. Persons who are immunocompromised, who are pregnant, who have other health conditions, and pediatric patients may be at risk of severe disease. 

While there are two vaccines available in the U.S. to prevent MPX, there is very little supply in Minnesota. To best reach people who are at highest risk of MPX, the MN Department of Health is working with a few local public health departments and health care providers that already care for people at highest risk for MPX disease to vaccinate their patients. Learn more about this at Monkeypox Vaccine in Minnesota. 

People who have been exposed to monkeypox should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If you don’t develop symptoms but had close contact with someone with monkeypox, you can go about your usual activities. If symptoms do develop, you should immediately self-isolate and contact your health provider for further recommendations. While self-isolating, you should use masks and gloves during interactions, practice good hand washing, and take care when handling laundry or soiled clothing. Avoiding close physical contact with family, pets, and sexual partners is also recommended. For a more detailed list of systems to monitor, and/or if you are a health care provider looking for information on monitoring persons exposed, visit CDC’s website.

It is currently not known whether having HIV affects a person’s risk for acquiring monkeypox. MSM living with HIV are disproportionately represented among monkeypox cases. ART and opportunistic prophylaxis should be continued in all persons living with HIV who acquire monkeypox. Treatment interruption might lead to a more complicated management of monkeypox, including worsening illness severity. Persons living and not living with HIV should follow the same preventative measures to protect themselves from monkeypox. If you think you might have monkeypox or have been exposed to someone with monkeypox, contact your health care provider for recommendations. For more information on this topic, visit the CDC’s website.

While monkeypox does not fit the traditional definition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), rashes may resemble STIs or appear in similar regions of the body as syphilis or herpes. Consult with a health care provider for testing. 

Free or low-cost STI testing sites: 

• Red Door Clinic/ Hennepin County Public Health
  612-543-5555
  525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 
• Clinic 555 / Ramsey County Public Health
  651-266-1255
  555 Cedar Street, St. Paul MN 
• Directory of Family Planning Services
  Listing of publicly funded programs throughout Minnesota. 
• Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
  Toll-free hotline for confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs in Minnesota: 1-800-78-FACTS. 

If you think you have monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider, MN Department of Health Infectious Disease Hotline at 651-201-5414 or the Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline at 1-800-78-Facts.

If you have monkeypox and are looking for assistance with food, clothes, finance, or other supplies, contact your county essential resources helpline. Anyone who doesn’t know their county’s essential services helpline can call the MDH Infectious Disease Hotline at 651-201-5414 to be connected to essential services in their county.

• Hennepin County essential services helpline: 612-348-3000
• Ramsey County essential services helpline: 651-266-8500.