Monkeypox
NOTE TO ALL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If you suspect that a patient is infected
with monkeypox or intend to test a patient
for monkeypox, immediately call Acute
Communicable Disease Control to assist with
diagnosis and implementation of infection
control.
213.240.7941 (7:30AM-5:00PM, Mon-Fri)
213.974.1234 (After Hours, Emergency
Operator)
Clinical Features
Monkeypox
is a rare disease that is caused by
infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox
does not occur naturally in the United
States. However, cases have occurred
associated with international travel or
importation of animals from areas where the
disease is more common. The incubation
period for monkeypox generally falls within
7-14 days, but can range from 5-21 days.
Illness begins with fever, headache, muscle
aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes (submandibular,
cervical, axillary, or inguinal), chills,
and exhaustion. Within 1-3 days following
onset of fever, the patient typically
develops a rash, often descending from the
face to other parts of the body. Lesions
progress through macular, papular,
vesicular, and pustular stages before
falling off. Illness typically lasts 2-4
weeks. Beyond supportive care, there is no
proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus.
Transmission occurs via
contact with an animal, human, or materials
contaminated with the monkeypox virus,
entering the body through broken skin,
respiratory tract, or mucous membranes.
Human-to-human transmission is thought to
occur primarily through large respiratory
droplets. As these droplets generally cannot
travel more than a few feet, prolonged
face-to-face contact is required for
transmission. Other means of human-to-human
transmission include direct contact with
body fluids or lesion material, as well as
indirect contact with lesion material (i.e.
contaminated clothing or linens).
Animal-to-human transmission may occur via
bite or scratch, preparation of bush meat,
direct contact with contaminated body fluids
or lesion material, or indirect contact with
lesion material (i.e. contaminated clothing
or linens).
Forms
Further Information
LAC DPH Policy and Procedures
