Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the orthopox virus that is beginning to spread globally. In August 2022, President Joe Biden declared a national emergency as the disease has now spread throughout the country and is affecting many states and cities, Hawaii being one of them. 

As of August 8, 2022 there are 12 known cases of individuals who have tested positive for the virus in Hawaii. All of these individuals have not been hospitalized and have all recovered on their own. Rash and sores are a common symptom of the Monkeypox disease and can be painful. The rash and sores affiliated with monkeypox can last two to four weeks.

• Monkeypox can spread when someone comes into close or intimate contact with someone who is infected with the virus or with materials (I.e. soiled bed linen) that has been contaminated with the virus.
• Common symptoms include: flu-like symptoms; swelling of lymph nodes; rash or sores, commonly on hands, feet, chest, face and genitals.

• Avoid skin to skin and prolonged close contact (touching sores, kissing, sex) with individuals who may have an unusual rash or monkeypox symptoms. 

If you are exposed to monkeypox you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as there are options to prevent infection after high risk close contact such as vaccination.

Infection begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes. Infection progresses to a rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals. Individuals generally become ill within 21 days of exposure.

Infections generally last two to four weeks. Individuals are infectious until all lesions are scabbed over and new skin has grown.

While monkeypox infection is generally not lethal, people can experience severe outcomes. While most people diagnosed with monkeypox experience mild to moderate illness, the rash and sores can be itchy and painful. Treatment for monkeypox is available but must be coordinated through DOH and a physician.

Transmission can occur through direct, prolonged contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox. Monkeypox can also be spread through large respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread when people breathe, cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged face-to-face contact is required.

Monkeypox can spread through close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.

To be diagnosed with monkeypox in Hawaii, you must be diagnosed through laboratory testing. The Hawaii Department of Health Laboratories Division is a part of the Center for Disease Control Laboratory Response System and can test for Orthopoxvirus. However, a confirmation test must be performed by the CDC. 

The risk of contracting Monkeypox in Hawaii remains LOW at this time. However, this current outbreak is new and the Department of Health and other officials are closely monitoring the situation. You should do your best to take preventive measures in protecting your health.

Treatments for Monkeypox in Hawaii are available and must be coordinated through your healthcare professiona and the Department of Health. 

Though Monkeypox is generally not lethal, some outcomes for certain individuals can be severe. 

Nationwide, the current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone with monkeypox is at higher risk of infection, regardless of a person’s gender, sexual orientation, or travel history.

Individuals at increased risk for monkeypox should avoid anonymous sexual contact or events where individuals may have close bodily contact with others.

If individuals have symptoms consistent with monkeypox or have an unusual rash or sores, avoid close contact with others. Contact your healthcare provider and let them know ahead of an appointment that you may have been exposed to monkeypox.

Practice proper hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds prevents the spread of infection, including monkeypox infection.