MPV (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox has just been declared a public health emergency by the White House as we’ve recently reached over 6600 confirmed cases in the United States. Notably, the largest portion of cases is in New York City. As of writing this, there are no confirmed cases of MPV in Cortland County, but there have been a couple of cases in Tompkins County. Here’s what you need to know:

·     MPV’s primary symptoms include: fever (most often the first symptom), muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and an itchy and painful “pox” rash – typically on the face, mouth, hands, or genitals. Some individuals will only develop a rash. Symptom onset is within three weeks after exposure, and symptoms usually last for 2-4 weeks. MPV is rarely fatal, and hospitalization is uncommon (13% of cases), but it can be very uncomfortable or painful.

·     Note that the Tompkins County Health Alert has stated: “This current strain of monkeypox has a rash that does not present as it has previously; internet searches for ‘monkeypox rashes’ may look different; any suspicious new rashes, bumps or blisters should be examined by a health care provider.”

·     While most cases in the U.S. have been among MSM (men who have sex with other men), there have been cases among other populations as well. Anyone can contract or spread MPV, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. 

·     MPV is typically transmitted via close skin-to-skin contact with another person. While this includes sexual contact, MPV is NOT an STI (sexually transmitted infection), because it can spread through kissing, cuddling, hugging, and contaminated objects - especially fabrics like clothing or bed sheets. MPV is contagious as long as someone has symptoms (including the initial fever, before a rash appears). 

·     You can protect yourself against MPV by avoiding skin-to-skin contact or sharing objects with someone who has MPV symptoms, especially a fever or pox rash. If you show any symptoms for MPV, please see a healthcare provider and avoid personal contact with others until symptoms completely subside. Anyone who is uninsured or does not currently have a healthcare provider should call 211.

·     There are no specific treatments for MPV. However, the treatments and vaccines for the Smallpox virus are shown to be effective against MPV.