Monkeypox: Signs and Symptoms

Health & Human Services

About 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.

Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

 

Monkeypox Symptoms

People with monkeypox 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.

  • The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

 

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

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

 

You may experience all or only a few symptoms

  • Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
  • Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
  • Others only experience a rash.

 

How long do monkeypox symptoms last?

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

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

 

Monkeypox Vaccine:

The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox. Vaccination can prevent monkeypox in people who are vaccinated within four days of exposure and can lessen the severity of the disease in those vaccinated within 14 days of exposure.

In New Jersey, the number of available vaccine doses are limited. Currently, state residents eligible for the Jynneos vaccine include:

  • People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or monkeypox virus within the past 14 days.
  • People who attended an event where known monkeypox exposure occurred within the past 14 days.
  • People who had multiple sexual partners or anonymous sexual encounters in the past 14 days in an area with known monkeypox.

People meeting the criteria above may make an appointment at Cooper University Health Care’s Vaccine and Testing Clinic. The center offers vaccination only, and does not perform testing for monkeypox.

Cooper Vaccine and Testing Clinic
300 Broadway, Camden, NJ 080103
Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By appointment only; no walk-ins.

To make an appointment, please use myCooper or call 856.968.7100.

 

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