Monkeypox

Learn the latest about symptoms, diagnosis, and vaccine availability

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is rarely fatal but can cause a person to be in significant pain from the skin rash caused by the virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to other illnesses caused by viruses. The most obvious symptom is a skin rash that may first look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Sometimes people have flu-like symptoms before the rash appears, but some people also have the rash first followed by other symptoms. Other symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches or backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, sore throat, congestion, etc.).

Monkeypox symptoms typically start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms begin until the skin is completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed. This can take 2-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Avoid close skin-to-skin contact; do not touch the rash of someone infected with monkeypox
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone who has monkeypox
  • Do not share eating utensils or drinking cups
  • Do not touch the bedding, towels or clothing of someone who has monkeypox (i.e. do not share these items)
  • Wash your hands with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer) frequently, especially after contact with a sick person

No. Sexual activity is one way a person can contract monkeypox due to close physical contact, but anyone can catch the virus through close physical contact with a person who is infected or by using contaminated materials (e.g. eating utensils, clothing, bedding, etc.).

Currently, there is limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine in Indiana. Vaccines are available to anyone with a high risk of severe illness or at high risk of contracting monkeypox, including close contacts of known or suspected cases of monkeypox.

If you are an IU Health patient, please contact your healthcare provider to ensure the vaccine is recommended and safe for you. They will start the vaccine process.

  • If you are in the Indianapolis area, you may also call 317.963.8764 and leave a message; you will receive a call back within one business day.
  • If you are in the Bloomington area, you may also call 812.353.3219 and leave a message.
  • If you are in the Greater Lafayette area, you may also call 765.448.8900 and leave a message.

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