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Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a monkeypox virus, which is in the family of viruses that cause smallpox, but it is very mild. There are currently 22 cases in the state, more than 15,000 cases nationwide and more than 43,000 cases worldwide. As with any new disease affecting our state, we at the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) want to separate fact from fiction so residents can make informed choices about protecting themselves.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, chills, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The best indicator that this is not another infection is a pimple or blister-like rash on the face, mouth, and other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Some people only get a rash or a rash before symptoms. While there have been no deaths in the US, monkeypox is still something we need to avoid and prevent.
Monkey disease is transmitted from person to person through close, personal, and often skin-to-skin contact with an infected rash, scab, or body fluids. It can also be spread through the respiratory system through prolonged face-to-face contact or close physical contact such as kissing, hugging and sex. Anyone who has close and personal contact with a person infected with monkeypox can become infected and should take steps to protect themselves.
As monkeypox continues to spread across the United States, we need to remember that the risk of contracting monkeypox for many people is low, and we shouldn’t destroy our groceries or household items like we did at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. Some have noted many early cases among gay and bisexual men, but we’ve seen infectious diseases move through populations before. We all know that the greatest risk is in close, personal contact, including intimate and sexual activities, so we can all take precautions.
Because our case numbers are currently low, we have an opportunity as a society to prevent monkeypox. There are three ways to do this:
1. Preventive properties: Since rabies is primarily spread by contact, you should have close physical contact with rabies or things that can affect rabies. Therefore, the ways to avoid monkey disease are a.) Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with people who have a monkey disease-like rash, b) Avoiding contact with objects and materials used by a person with monkey disease, and c. ) Wash hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face.
2. Get tested. If you have a rash that looks like shingles, get it checked out right away. Screenings are widely available at health care facilities and can also be done at DOH public health offices. Monkey disease testing is free and you don’t need ID or insurance. If you are diagnosed with monkeypox and qualify for treatment, your provider may be able to provide you with free treatment through the DOH.
3. Get vaccinated if eligible: If you have been exposed to, or are at high risk for, monkeypox, a free monkeypox vaccine is available. The vaccine has few side effects other than pain at the injection site. We’ve seen affected communities sign up for the vaccine to protect themselves, their sexual partners, and people in their families. So far, more than 1,000 people in New Mexico have already opted to reduce their risk and received the first of two shots.
For more information about monkey disease visit nmhealth.org And click on the Monkey Disease tab in the upper right corner.
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