Monkeypox FAQ's "Signs/Symptoms/Protection" | Health Services

What are the signs or symptoms of monkeypox?

According to the CDC, symptoms of monkeypox can include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy may be located on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
- The CDC has provided these photos showing examples of monkeypox rashes.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

You may experience all or only a few symptoms:

Most people with monkeypox will get a rash.
Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

What should I do if I develop a fever or rash?

If you have a new or unexplained rash, fever, or other symptoms:

Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
Call UMD Health Services at 218-726-8155 or your primary care provider. Tell the scheduler if you have a fever and/or an unexplained rash and would like to be tested for monkeypox.

How do I protect myself from getting monkeypox?

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like a monkeypox rash including sexual contact
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used, including but not limited to eating utensils or cups, bedding, towels, or clothing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.