The Basics of the Virus and How to Protect Against It

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and Monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Please note: the Monkeypox outbreak is rapidly evolving; continue to monitor the CDC and State of New Jersey guidance as the situation evolves.

Signs and symptoms of Monkeypox

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches, backache
• Rash

Monkeypox rash can:

• Look like pimples or blisters
• Appear on the face, inside the mouth, or on the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
• Be in one area or many

How does Monkeypox spread?

• Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed
• Person to person spread:
  • Direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • Mucus or saliva (spit) during prolonged, face to face contact or intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • Touching items that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• Infected animals
• Pregnancy/birth

Who is at risk?

Risk to public remains low, but anyone who has contact with a person with Monkeypox can get the virus. People with Monkeypox are only considered to be able to spread the virus when they have symptoms.

In current outbreak, many (but not all) cases are in people who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM). People with multiple or anonymous sexual partners in past 14 days may be at higher risk.

Preventing Monkeypox

People can take measures to help reduce the risk of getting Monkeypox by avoiding close, skin to skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like Monkeypox and limiting number of sexual partners.

If you know or suspect someone is infected, DO NOT:

• Touch the rash or scabs
• Kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex
• Share eating utensils or cups
• Handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing

Monkeypox vaccination

Vaccines for prevention of Monkeypox for individuals who have had exposure or feel they are at high risk for exposure are available by appointment only at the NJ locations below. Visit the NJ Department of Health for more information on vaccines and additional locations.

• Zufall Health Center,18 W Blackwell St., Dover (973) 891-3419
• Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Annex 2 (white tent structure), 230 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus: www.newbridgehealth.org
• North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI), Newark: 973-483-3444 ext. 200
• Cooper Vaccine & Testing Clinic, Cooper University Hospital, 300 Broadway, Camden. (At the intersection of Broadway and MLK Boulevard. Entrance off of MLK Boulevard. Follow the signs; do not drive into the parking garage.) Appointment only: call 856-968-7100, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or go online at any time through MyCooper: https://my.cooperhealth.org/mychart/authentication/login
• Hyacinth AIDS Foundation/Project Living Out Loud!, Jersey City: 201-706-3480
• The Prevention Resource Network, a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Asbury Park: 732-502-5100
• University Hospital: 140 Bergen St., Level D, Room 1650, Newark 973-972-8906 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

• NJ Department of Health
• CDC Monkeypox website
• CDC Monkeypox - Preventing Spread
• CDC Monkeypox - Summary of Recent Changes