Mobile Health and Learning (HeaL)

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus. MPX virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox) and cowpox virus. 

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name “Monkeypox.”  The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.

In humans, the symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to, but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.  The main difference between symptoms of Monkeypox and smallpox is that Monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell while smallpox does not.  Monkeypox illness starts with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches  
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Within 1 to 3 days after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.   The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.  Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules
• Papules
• Vesicles
• Pustules
• Scabs

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus 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.
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

• The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for Monkeypox is usually 7 to 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. 
• Infection with Monkeypox virus begins with an incubation period. A person is not contagious during this period.

As of September 7, 2022 the County of Fresno has expanded eligibility tiers and guidelines to receive the JYNNEOS vaccine for prevention of monkeypox.

Individuals who meet at least one of the criteria guidelines below are eligible to receive JYNNEOS.

• Identified as a close contact of someone who has Monkeypox (suspected or confirmed case).
• Laboratory workers, certain clinicians, and public health response team members who routinely handle Monkeypox virus samples for diagnosis or testing purposes or has a high-risk occupational exposure.
• Attendees of events/venues where known Monkeypox exposure has occurred within the past 14 days.
• Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Individuals of any sexual orientation or gender identity who engage in high-risk sexual activities. This may include any of the following:
  • Engaged in sex with multiple partners in the past 14 days
  • New Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) diagnosis within the last 12 months
  • Are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • Were diagnosed with Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and/or Syphilis within the past 12 months
  • Sex workers