A: Monkeypox can affect anyone and spreads through close personal contact. This includes direct contact with an infected rash, scab, or bodily fluids or from respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical activity such as kissing or sex.

People can also become infected with monkeypox if they touch items that have been in contact with an infected rash or bodily fluids such as towels, clothing or bedding. It is also possible for pregnant people to spread monkeypox to their baby through the placenta. Learn more about how monkeypox spreads at: Monkeypox | SRHD

A: Signs and symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within 3 weeks of exposure. These can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.

One of the more visible signs of monkeypox are pimple- or blister-like rashes that can appear on a person’s genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus. These rashes can also show up on a person’s hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. Some people may experience multiple symptoms in addition to the rash while others may just experience the rash. Learn more about the symptoms of monkeypox at: Monkeypox | SRHD

A: There are a few ways you can reduce your risk of getting monkeypox. Consider these tips to stay safe:

✔ Limit your sex partners to reduce your risk of exposure to monkeypox

✔ Talk to your current sexual partners about it. We know a conversation like this can feel uncomfortable, but it can help you and your partner get on the same page about the level of risk you're willing to take.

✔ Know which type of activities and social events might carry more risk of contracting monkeypox, like a rave, party, or club where minimal clothing is worn, and consider safer alternatives.

Learn more about ways to reduce your risk of monkeypox at: Monkeypox | SRHD

A: The biggest difference between COVID-19 and monkeypox are the viruses that cause them. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus.

COVID-19 also spreads more easily through respiratory droplets, while monkeypox spreads through prolonged close contact and does not spread through the air over longer distances like SARS-CoV-2. The risk of infection from monkeypox during short interactions that do not involve physical contact or interactions within a health care setting where appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn is generally considered low. Learn more at: Monkeypox | SRHD

A: Vaccines for monkeypox are currently in short supply in the United States and the JYNNEOS vaccine is available on a limited basis in Spokane County. However, vaccine production is increasing, and SRHD will keep the community informed as the vaccine becomes available to wider group of people.

A: Due to a shortage in doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, SRHD has prioritized high-risk individuals in our community and is currently working with medical providers to help identify and offer the vaccine to individuals who:

✔ Are high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox, including members of the gay, bisexual, and transgender community and communities of men who have sex with men who have had intimate or skin-to-skin contact with others in the past 14 days in areas where monkeypox is spreading.

✔ Have had skin-to-skin contact with someone in their social network with monkeypox symptoms. including men who have sex with men who meet their partners on dating apps or at social settings like a bar or party.

✔ Are immunocompromised and indicated recent or previous participation in high-risk activities,

Learn more about who is currently eligible for vaccination at: Monkeypox | SRHD

A. There are two vaccines available to help protect against monkeypox—JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. These are both smallpox vaccines that can be used to protect high-risk individuals against monkeypox.

JYNNEOS is the only vaccine in the United States that is FDA approved for the prevention of monkeypox. Vaccines that receive FDA approval go through rigorous testing and clinical trials and are closely monitored after approval so that any safety concerns can be addressed. JYNNEOS is currently approved for use in individuals 18 years and older. Learn more about monkeypox vaccines at: Monkeypox | SRHD

Key Facts About Monkeypox Vaccine

JYNNEOS Vaccine Information Statemen