Monkeypox: Facts & Information

Protect yourself from Monkeypox – Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of this disease.

monkeypox vaccine

Notice:

Since May 13, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of Monkeypox cases from 12 Member States that are not endemic to the virus across three WHO regions. On May 21, 2022, the WHO declared this as a “multi-country monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries”.

It is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, it is a rare disease and does not naturally occur in the US. Infections in the US are usually associated with travel to West or Central Africa or contact with imported infected animals. It can spread when a person has close contact with someone infected with the monkeypox virus or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) contaminated with the virus. The monkeypox virus can also spread from animals to people.

People can get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

There are no treatments specifically. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat the virus infections.

Immunize Los Angeles is working with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials to provide access to the vaccine for most at-risk individuals. We will inform the availability through our website and social media channels. Once the Monkeypox Vaccine is available, you can schedule your vaccine appointment online through our website.

Resources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention | World Health Organization