MONKEYPOX (MVP) 

In the last few weeks there has been an increase in monkeypox cases both locally and nationally. Although this is concerning, it is important to know and communicate that monkeypox is a rare disease that is rarely fatal. Monkeypox disease (MVP) is caused by the Monkeypox virus. It is not the same virus that causes diseases like Chickenpox, Smallpox (which has been eradicated), or measles. MVP is not as contagious as COVID-19. It does not spread through casual contact or having a conversation with someone who has MPV. You must have prolonged physical contact or share bedding/clothing/towels with someone who has MPV for it to spread.   

Spread:   

Monkeypox can be spread from person to person through close, personal contact (often skin-to-skin contact), including:  

• Direct contact with MPV lesions, sores, rashes, or scabs.  
• Contact with objects, surfaces, and fabrics (such as clothing, bedding, or towels) that have been used by someone with MPV.  
• Through oral fluids or respiratory droplets from a person with MPV during prolonged face-to-face contact.  
• This contact can happen during intimate sexual contact.  

Symptoms:   

Monkeypox symptoms can appear as a rash on various parts of the body including but not limited to hands, feet, face, genitalia. This may also include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms. MVP is a communicable disease that can be acquired by any demographic. Please see your physician or call the Health Department for a diagnosis if you have these symptoms or think you may have been exposed.    

A person is considered infectious from the time symptoms begin until the rash/sores have crusted, separated, and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed.    

Prevention:   

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox  
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used  
• Wash your hands often  

Please refer to the CDC for further guidance: www.cdc.gov/monkeypox  

For additional questions and resources, please reach out to the Detroit Health Department at 313-876-4444 or visit www.detroitmi.gov/health  

(Source: CDC, University of Michigan)