Monkeypox

Monkeypox Guidelines

Transmission

Monkeypox can be spread from the time any symptoms begin until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

Monkeypox can be spread from person to person by

Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids. Learn more about close contact here.
Touching items such as clothes, towels, bed linens, that were in contact with the rash or bodily fluids. Learn proper home and household disinfection techniques.
Commonly touched items can also be contaminated

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms typically begin within 3 weeks after exposure. If someone experiences flu-like symptoms they will likely get a rash 1 to 4 days later.

A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside of the mouth, and on other parts of the body such as hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
Fever
Headache
Swollen lymph nodes
Exhaustion
Muscle aches and backache
Chills

See a health care provider if you have a new rash or other monkeypox symptoms. Avoid close contact (including intimate contact) with other people and animals until a health care provider sees you for an exam. If you think that there is a possibility that you may have monkeypox, wear a mask when in prolonged, close proximity with others. Rashes on the body should be covered with long sleeves or pants to avoid touching other people.

Isolation

Isolate until all lesions have resolved,the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed (usually 2-4 weeks).
If possible use a separate bathroom than others in the house.
Wear a mask.
Avoid close contact with other people and pets.
Abstain from sexual activity.

Treatment & Prevention

Patients should ask their healthcare provider about an antiviral drug that may be available. Learn about different prevention protocols for home settings, sexual contact, and social events.

Vaccine

Find out who can get vaccinated and where you can get vacinated. Locations are available across New Jersey. The tool will be updated as new sites become available.

Current News from State Officials

August 22 - ICYMI: NJOHSP Adds Monkeypox (hMPXV) Update to Disinformation Page. Read the press release here.

August 18 - Governor Murphy, Acting AG Platkin Announce Publication of Division on Civil Rights FAQs to Prevent Discrimination Related to hMPXV (“Monkeypox”). Read the press release here.

August 12 - Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Oliver and Commissioner Persichilli Announce Additional Monkeypox Vaccine Sites. Read the press release here.

July 28 - ICYMI: Governor Murphy and N.J. Department of Health Commissioner Persichilli Announce Additional Monkeypox Vaccination Sites in Camden, Bergen Counties. Read the press release here.

July 19 - Governor Murphy and New Jersey Health Commissioner Outline Expanded Monkeypox Vaccine Eligibility, Availability. Read the press release here.