Monkeypox is a rare disease that is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. In the past few months, public health organizations have been tracking an outbreak of concern globally and in some large U.S. cities, but the risk of infection in West Virginia and Kanawha County specifically, is low. The Mountain State has two probable cases.
- The virus can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
- The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks
- Although Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), close contact with infected partners will increase your risk of getting the virus. Condoms will not protect you for infection.
- If you have no symptoms, you cannot spread Monkeypox.