Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox is thought to occur primarily through large respiratory droplets; but, it can also be transmitted by direct contact with body fluids or lesion material and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Exhaustion
One main difference is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell, while smallpox does not. The time from infection to showing symptoms is usually 7-14 days, but may range from 5-21 days total. Please visit the CDC website to learn more.
If you think you’ve been infected, please contact your health care provider.
CDC is closely tracking cases of monkeypox that have been recently reported in several countries that don’t normally have monkeypox activity, including the United States. Learn more about the CDC response to monkeypox.