The following information is from CT.gov:
Beginning in May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in more than 50 countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a rash. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The illness typically lasts two – four weeks.
with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
HOW IT SPREADS
Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of an infected person
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two – four weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
VACCINATION
CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination against monkeypox at this time. However, vaccination may be recommended for some people who:
- Are close personal contacts of people with monkeypox
- May have been exposed to the virus
- May have increased risk of being exposed to the virus, such as people who perform laboratory testing to diagnose monkeypox
More information about considerations for monkeypox vaccination is available from CDC. More information about the national vaccination strategy is available from HHS.
Monkeypox Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing for monkeypox is now available from commercial laboratories, including LabCorp, Mayo Clinic, and Quest. Healthcare providers can order testing from these laboratories as they would order other diagnostic tests.
Testing is also available through the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL); effective July 18 2022, prior approval for testing at SPHL will no longer be required. Testing at SPHL will be available on a first come first served basis Monday through Friday with a daily cut-off time of 8AM. Specimens arriving after 8AM will be tested on the next scheduled testing day; specimens received after 8AM on Friday will be tested on the following Monday. To request urgent testing outside this schedule, call DPH Epidemiology at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 after hours or on weekends.
Instructions for specimen collection are available here. Specimens submitted to SPHL must be accompanied by a completed requisition form. Specimens can be delivered to SPHL 24 hours per day/7 days per week. Facilities with routine courier service should make their own arrangements for specimen transport to SPHL. Courier service is a limited resource which is prioritized for locations that do not have access to a routine courier.
Post-exposure prophylaxis
CDC recommends post-exposure prophylaxis be considered for persons with high or intermediate level of exposure to the monkeypox virus. If a patient reports recent close-contact and may benefit from PEP, contact DPH at 860-509-7994, or 860-509-8000 after hours.
More information about considerations for monkeypox vaccination is available from CDC.
Treatment
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. Medical countermeasures for monkeypox including tecovirimat (TPOXX), Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (VIGIV), Cidofovir (Vistide), can be accessed through the Strategic National Stockpile. To request access to these therapeutics, contact DPH Epidemiology at 860-509-7994 or 860-509-8000 after hours.
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