What is Monkeypox? Why is it a concern in the U.S?

A message from Jeanne E. Franklin, MPH, PMP, County Health Director – Chester County Health Department

It is hard to believe we are embarking upon yet another emerging contagious disease – monkeypox – despite still recovering from several years of battling COVID-19. I want to share some key information with you and ask that you share it with your staff. Before that, I want to acknowledge that this email is long so appreciate you taking the time to read it.

The Chester County Health Department has activated its Monkeypox Health Operations Center (HOC). With the activation of our HOC, we are committing more resources to the overall outbreak response and are focused on several concurrent priorities. A critical priority is ensuring accurate and factual information is communicated throughout the County. We encourage you to use the information below for your own education and awareness and for your communications with those you serve.

At this time, the threat of monkeypox remains low and that while this is a rare viral disease, unlike COVID-19, it is not a new disease. Testing for monkeypox, vaccine to prevent or lessen disease severity, and antiviral treatment to help manage the systems are already available.

5 Things Sexually Active People Need to Know About Monkeypox:

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a contagious infection caused by the monkeypox virus.

Why is monkeypox a concern in the U.S.?

On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a “public health emergency of international concern” and on August 4, 2022, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, with support from the White House, declared monkeypox a “public health emergency” in an effort to contain the continued spread of monkeypox. This declaration allows federal health officials the ability to expedite vaccines and treatment options for monkeypox. Public health officials are concerned because monkeypox is spreading and cases are presenting in ways not typically seen in past monkeypox outbreaks. Although the current strain of monkeypox that is circulating in the United States is rarely fatal, symptoms can be extremely painful, may lead to hospitalization, and may result in permanent scarring from the rash. A key focus is containing the continued spread of monkeypox.

How is it spread?

Monkeypox spreads in different ways such as

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluid
• Direct contact with respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of the infected individual
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The more telltale symptom is a rash that looks like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Other symptoms that may or may not develop include: fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.

How is it diagnosed?

Monkeypox is diagnosed through a laboratory test. Prior to being tested an individual must be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If monkeypox is suspected, the healthcare provider must collect a specimen and send to a certified laboratory for confirmatory testing. Testing can be performed through private labs (such as Labcorp and Quest) for those with health insurance. For questions for individuals without health insurance, contact the Chester County Health Department for resources and guidance. Regardless of health insurance, individuals with a concern about an unexplained or newly developed rash should contact their healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility or health clinic.

How long are individuals contagious?

Individuals are contagious from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely, the illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Who is getting infected?

Currently, the majority of monkeypox cases in the U.S. are among men having sex with men. However, anyone can get monkeypox if they have close contact with someone who has monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, like many other viruses, it can be transmitted through sexual activity.

Can monkeypox be treated?

Antiviral medications exist to help manage monkeypox symptoms and may be appropriate for some people. Individuals diagnosed with monkeypox must consult their healthcare provider to be prescribed antiviral medications. Vaccines exist that can help reduce the chance and severity of infection in those who have been exposed (known as close contact) or for individuals who have increased risk of being exposed. Widespread vaccination against monkeypox is not recommended at this time. Individuals who believe they need vaccine should contact their healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility.

What if someone you serve says they have monkeypox?

Monkeypox is diagnosed through a laboratory test. If someone says they have monkeypox, has been exposed to someone with monkeypox, or arrives for service with a visible rash, the individual should be encouraged to return home and contact a healthcare provider. If possible, consider providing your services to the individual virtually until they have consulted a healthcare provider.

What can organizations do?

As an organization in Chester County who provides services to a wide variety of individuals in Chester County you can assist in preventing the spread of monkeypox as follows:

• Any individual with a visible rash, or communicates about a rash, should be directed to speak with their healthcare provider before providing your services.
• Consider asking those you serve if they are experiencing a rash; if so, direct them to speak with their healthcare provider before providing your services.
• Help reduce stigma in the populations most commonly experiencing monkeypox – men having sex with men.
• Reinforce good cleaning practices within your organization especially for high touch services.
• Serve as the Health Department’s local ears and eyes and communicate needs and concerns about monkeypox that are being in the community or by those you serve.
• Notify the Chester County Health Department if you become aware of local events that may lead to spin-off or side events where people may have close, skin-to-skin contact with others so the event organizers can be educated on monkeypox prevention.
• Link your website and other communications to the Chester County Health Department’s monkeypox website (https://www.chesco.org/5171/Monkeypox).

Where can more information be found? 

More information about monkeypox can be found at: https://www.chesco.org/5171/Monkeypox. Additional helpful resources include:

• Congregate Care Settings: Preventing Monkeypox Spread in Congregate Settings
• Healthcare Settings: Infection Prevention and Control of Monkeypox in Healthcare Settings
• Cleaning: Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings
• Reducing Stigma: Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement
• Sexual Health: Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Monkeypox, 5 Things Sexually Active People Need to Know About Monkeypox

Questions about monkeypox can be directed to Chester County Health Department at healthoperationscenter@chesco.org or 610-344-6225.