Update on monkeypox for caregivers and the elderly
In July and August 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published the following (at cdc.gov) about monkeypox disease.
Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Anyone can get monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Most of the current cases in the U.S. are occurring in social networks of men who have sex with men and individuals with multiple or anonymous sex partners. However, it is not limited to these individuals.
Monkeypox is not as contagious as COVID-19 or the flu. The risk of spread is highest during oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex and other intimate contact such as hugging, kissing, cuddling and massage.
The monkeypox virus is most often spread through:
• Direct, prolonged contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus.
• Coming in contact with clothing, bedding or other items used by the person with the virus.
• Respiratory droplets passed through prolonged face-to-face contact over several hours.
Recent cases have been mild. Most people got better on their own and were not hospitalized. The disease, however, can sometimes be more severe. A person is contagious until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take 2-4 weeks. A person with monkeypox should stay away from other people until their sores are fully healed.
A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta. It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Symptoms usually start within two weeks after exposure, but may not appear for up to 21 days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle or back aches, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, rash or sores. A rash may appear all over the body or only certain parts, including the face, hands, feet or around or in the mouth, genital area or anus. Respiratory and flu-like symptoms may also occur.
Currently, testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with monkeypox. Contact your local health department with any questions and to find out what the testing options are for your community. The health care provider will use a swab to rub vigorously across lesions of your rash to collect a specimen. Results are usually available within a few days. If your test result is positive, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others until you have completely recovered from your infection. Notify your close contacts that they may have been exposed to monkeypox as soon as possible. Do not travel if you have monkeypox.
Tests conducted by public health departments are usually free. Tests from private health care providers may involve a fee.
Rev. Jiles Taylor-George, RN, BSN, MSN is native of Tallahatchie County. She is a Certified Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator and Certified Grief Counselor.
