Monkeypox (MPV) – DeKalb County Health Department

The DeKalb County Health Department is offering the Monkeypox (MPV) vaccine to any individual who self-identifies as being at risk. If you have new or unexplained rash, sores or other MPV symptoms, please call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment.

MPV (monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is not commonly seen in the United States. However, on May 20, 2022, the CDC issued a Health Advisory regarding recent cases in the United States. These outbreaks are currently under investigation and more information is expected in the future.

Community Level Risk

MPV does not spread easily between people without close contact. At this time, the risk to DeKalb County residents remains low.

How MPV (Monkeypox) Spreads

MPV spreads in different ways including:

Direct contact with MPV rash, sores, scabs, or body fluids
Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously used by someone with MPV
Respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
From infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

MPV can be spread from when symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

The majority of cases seen throughout Illinois and the United States have been spread through direct intimate contact with a rash or sore on someone infected with MPV. Activities that can spread MPV include kissing, sex, or other activities with skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the MPV virus.

Symptoms

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash or sores, sometimes located on or near the genitals or anus, or the mouth, hands, feet, chest or face. Sores will go through several stages before healing.

What the Public Can Do

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone with MPV
Don’t share bedding, clothing, towels, personal items, or with someone with MPV
Do not have sex if you or you sex partner(s) feel sick or have a rash or sores and do not kiss or touch each other’s bodies while you are sick.
Call your healthcare provider if you have new or unexplained rash, sores, or other MPV symptoms.

Vaccine Information

There is a vaccine for MPV that the CDC currently recommends to anyone that self-identifies as being at risk.
Vaccine is currently being given to areas with known MPV

Early Detection and Prevention

If you have a new or unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms:

See your health care provider – if you don’t have a provider or health insurance, call and schedule an appointment at a public health clinic near you.
Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out.
Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.

If you or your partner have MPV:

Follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of your health care provider.
Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until all your sores have healed and you have a fresh layer of skin formed.

Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has MPV is at risk.

Resources & Guidance

Go to the IDPH website here
Go to the CDC website here

Download Fact Sheets

Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map

Information for Healthcare Professionals

If you suspect a case of MPV, contact the DeKalb County Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (815) 748-2467. Visit the DCHD Healthcare Providers page for more information.

DCHD EMAIL

COVID19@dekalbcounty.org

Please note, this email is not used to provide medical advice. If you have personal medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider.

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Last updated 8/18/2022