What is Monkeypox (MPX)?
Monkeypox (MPX) is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The disease can infect anyone and is spread through close, usually skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms of MPX include a painful or itchy rash on different parts of the body, fever, and respiratory symptoms.
How is MPX Spread?
Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids from an infected person, touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by an infected person, and contact with respiratory secretions. A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
What Should I Do if a Family Member or I Am Exposed?
Contact a healthcare provider if you suspect you have been exposed by the MPXV. Treatment may include antiviral medications prescribed by your medical provider.
How Can I Prevent the Spread of the MPXV?
To prevent the spread of the MPXV, avoid skin-to-skin contact with those who appear to have an MPX-like rash and avoid objects and materials that a person with MPX has used. Wash your hands often with soap and water and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face. The CDC recommends the Jynneos vaccine for those who are likely to be exposed to the MPXV and those who have been recently exposed.
Resources
Please click on the links for more information on MPX symptoms, treatment, and prevention:
- Frequently asked questions about MPX: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/faq.html
- Signs and symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html
- How the MPXV spreads: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/transmission.html
- Prevention and vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html
- Treatment Options: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/treatment.html
- MPXV and pregnancy: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/pregnancy.html
- MPXV and children: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/monkeypox/
- For printable education material and New Jersey vaccine sites: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/monkeypox.shtml
- A list of monkeypox (hMPXV) vaccine sites in New Jersey: nj.gov/health/monkeypox
- MPX information handout
- MPXV in New Jersey