What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a contagious viral disease that is closely related to the one that causes smallpox, but the disease is generally less severe and less contagious. Unlike the COVID-19 virus, which was a virus that was not known until 2020, monkeypox is a well-known illness that was first recognized in research animals in 1958.
Prior to the current outbreak, this infection was only found occasionally in some countries in central and western Africa. Prior outbreaks outside of these countries were small and short-lived.
Is the virus in the United States? If so, how is VA addressing it?
On May 7, 2022, the world was alerted to a confirmed case of monkeypox in the United Kingdom. Since then, the virus has spread to many countries including the United States, and the World Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
On Aug. 4, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared it a Public Health Emergency in the United States.
VA is working in close collaboration with local and state public health authorities, as well as other federal agencies like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure Veterans have access to testing, treatment and prevention tools, such as antivirals and vaccines.
In addition, VA is closely following clinical, infection control, and occupational health guidance provided by the CDC.
How does the virus spread?
Monkeypox spreads in a few ways.
- It can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Most commonly through direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Less commonly from touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox or with respiratory secretions.
- This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:
- Oral, anal and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals of a person with monkeypox.
- Hugging, massage and kissing.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Less commonly in the current outbreak, through touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.
- A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
How long does it last?
Monkeypox normally takes about two weeks to four weeks to run its course. If you are diagnosed, your provider will monitor you until the illness is resolved.
Is it fatal?
The less severe Clade II strain is causing the current world outbreak (2022). To date, no one has died from this outbreak in the United States. But monkeypox can lead to other problems (complications) like pneumonia and infections in your brain (encephalitis) or eyes, which can be fatal.
Should I get tested?
Ask your health care provider if you should get a monkeypox test if you have symptoms (like an unexplained rash).
Can I get the vaccine at VA?
VA will receive approximately 13,000 vials (up to 65,000 doses) of JYNNEOS™ monkeypox vaccine from Department of Health and Human Services as early as the end of August. Once VA receives its initial allocation of the vaccine, it will begin offering the JYNNEOS™ vaccine to Veterans at risk of infection.
What can you tell me about the vaccine?
For Veterans who need the vaccine, the series requires 2 doses per person, 28 days apart.
- Due to the limited supply, and to ensure availability for Veterans who need it, most Veterans will receive their dose of the vaccine in the shallow layers between their skin (intradermal) on their forearm, as authorized by an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This route, which is being used across the country, uses less vaccine per person and is safe and effective.
- Some Veterans who have had a type of scarring called a “keloid” will get a dose in the upper arm that is injected in the layer of fat below the skin (subcutaneous).
Who is eligible for the monkeypox vaccine?
Any person who comes in direct skin-to-skin contact with another who is infected may catch monkeypox. The current outbreak has, for now, disproportionately affected the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who should be prioritized for vaccine based on their personal risk of exposure.
Contact your nearest VA health facility for the latest information.
