Communicable Diseases

Monkeypox Information and Resources

Contact us at 712-242-1155 for information regarding monkeypox vaccinations.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that can spread through skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, monkeypox sores or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox. The virus can also be spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Although monkeypox is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted during intimate contact and sex by skin-to-skin and other intimate contact, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. 

People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people just develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals and/or around the anus. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed. 

The Health Department encourages the following individuals to call and seek guidance from their medical provider. 

• Recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported and you have symptoms of monkeypox especially if you have a rash or lesions. You can find a list of countries where monkeypox has been reported on the CDC website
• People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or lesions
• Contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case

Reduce your risk of getting or spreading monkeypox by: 

• Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact including kissing with people who have a rash, sores, or confirmed monkeypox
• Do not handle, touch or shake bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with rash, sores, or confirmed monkeypox
• Do not share eating utensils or cups of a person with monkeypox
• Washing your hands often
• Covering your coughs and sneezes
• Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces and objects