Dear NP

Dear NP,

The news is full of information about monkeypox. Since my children are preparing to return to school, I am worried about their exposure. What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox? How is it transmitted? Is it deadly or debilitating? I would appreciate you sharing any other information you may have

Dear Reader,

Monkeypox has been prominently featured in the news recently. This spring, an outbreak began in the United States, raising concerns that more and more cases would develop.

The good news is that the outbreak seems to remain fairly small, with only around 2500 cases in the U.S. since May. Most cases have occurred in New York state.

Monkeypox is a rare infection caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, but it is less contagious. The symptoms are similar but milder and rarely fatal.

It can take from five to 21 days after exposure to develop symptoms. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue and a rash that looks like pimples or blisters.

The illness usually lasts around two to four weeks before resolving. In rare cases, monkeypox can require hospitalization or cause death.

Monkeypox is spread from person to person, usually through close intimate physical contact like kissing, cuddling or sex, making children at lower risk for infection. But direct contact with the infectious rash can also spread it, touching items like clothing that have been in contact with an infected person’s rash or body fluids, pregnant women can spread the virus to their unborn baby.

Monkeypox cases have been higher in specific populations, including those with recent travel to central or west Africa and parts of Europe and men who have sex with men. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for monkeypox and complications.

To prevent contracting monkeypox, you can follow these steps: avoid close contact with people who have a rash, including not sharing food or utensils; don’t handle clothes or bedding from someone infected with monkeypox; wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you believe you have symptoms or may have been exposed to monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider. You can be vaccinated for monkeypox if you’ve had exposure.

If you receive a vaccine from four to 14 days after your exposure, it may prevent or lessen the disease. Many adults have already been vaccinated against smallpox, which protects against monkeypox.

Monkeypox infections are rare and are transmitted by close contact with body fluids and respiratory secretions. Most school children will not be at high risk.

Only two children in the United States have been affected so far. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently and not share food or drinks with others.

If your child develops any new rashes or signs of flu-like illness, talk with your healthcare provider and keep them home until they have been cleared to return to school. Most cases of monkeypox are mild and resolve within a few weeks.

Dr. Wesley Davis is an Emergency Nurse Practitioner at Crook County Medical Services District and Coordinator of the Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Alabama. He encourages readers to send their questions to [email protected]