Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but are generally milder.

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal contact, including:

Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to the flu, and can include:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted gay and bisexual men that monkeypox appears to be spreading in the community globally, warning people to take precautions if they have been in close contact with someone who may have the virus and to be on the lookout for symptoms. People who have recently traveled to areas with monkeypox cases are also at higher risk for contracting monkeypox, based on recent data. Transgender people and gender-diverse people may also be more vulnerable. However, anyone can get monkeypox. The virus does not discriminate against any group.

Anyone with symptoms of monkeypox should contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Avoid close contact with others. Wear a mask, cover any sores and let the provider know before you arrive for care. Some providers offer testing for people who have symptoms of monkeypox. Your provider may prescribe you antiviral treatment to help you recover.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks.

People who get a new pimple or blister-like rash, are within 21 days of the start of symptoms and:

If you were tested because of symptoms or an exposure to someone with monkeypox, you should stay in your home while you wait for your results, unless there is an emergency or follow-up medical care is necessary.

If you test positive for monkeypox, then you must isolate until your rash has fully healed, your scabs have fallen off, a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed, and state or local public health officials have said you can stop isolating. Reschedule non-emergency medical appointments, such as dental cleanings and preventative care (like annual physicals), for after your isolation has ended.

If you get ANY medical care, tell the health care provider you might have been exposed to someone with monkeypox before you arrive. This will help make sure the medical staff can protect themselves and others. Put on a mask before you enter a health care facility and keep it on during your entire stay.

Do not go to work or school. Avoid all public places.

Friends, family members, and others should not visit you, unless they have to come to your home for an emergency.

Make sure your rash and sores are fully covered (using long-sleeved shirts, pants or bandages) before leaving home. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and keep it on at all times.  Use hand sanitizer.

Avoid contact with other people and animals. This includes hugging, cuddling, kissing and sexual activity. Avoid shared spaces (like living rooms, kitchens, etc.). If this is not possible, avoid using shared spaces at the same time as other people.

Make sure you clean any surfaces you have touched when you are done using the shared space and avoid storing any personal items in the shared space. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, after touching sores or bandages, after handling laundry, and before and after putting on gloves.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves can help protect you and others in your home, including your pets. Wear a well-fitting face mask when you are around other people or pets. A surgical mask or respirator mask (like a KN95) work best.

Other people in your home should also wear a well-fitting face mask if they have to be around you. Make sure your mask covers both your nose and mouth. There shouldn’t be any gaps letting air out between your face and the edges of the mask.

Wear disposable gloves when touching your rash, sores, blisters, bandages or dirty laundry. Throw away the gloves immediately after using them and wash your hands. If you have touched your rash or sores with gloves on, be careful not to touch anything else with the same gloves.

People and animals can be exposed to monkeypox through trash. This includes workers managing waste in landfills. It is important to throw away your trash safely. Put soiled items such as bandages or gloves in a large zip-lock bag. Be sure to seal the bag before you throw it away.

Animals, including your pets, can be infected with monkeypox.

Most people will get better on their own without treatment. Treatment is available through the CDC for certain patients. If you are diagnosed with monkeypox and you are in one of the categories below, your provider may recommend treating you if you:

The health department may contact you if you have been exposed to someone with confirmed monkeypox and will ask you questions related to your contact with this person. In some cases, you may be offered a vaccine that can prevent the infection from occurring. This must occur within 14 days of being exposed.

Get the most popular stories delivered to your inbox monthly

UCHealth advertising supports our core mission and helps us improve our site as a resource for trusted health content. For inquiries please contact us.

Para información en español llame al