Monkeypox Info & Updates

Monkeypox is circulating in our community, and we want to make sure you have the info you need about what’s going on, ways to find information, and vaccination.

What is MPV?

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with Monkeypox virus (MPV). Symptoms often start with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and fatigue, but not everyone has these symptoms. 1 to 3 days later, people may get a rash or “blisters” on the face, arms, legs, hands, feet, and genital and anal areas – the genital/anal rash appear to be very common during this outbreak and can be extremely painful. It usually takes around 5 to 14 days after any exposure for symptoms to appear (the “incubation period”). Source CDPH.

MPV usually begins with the below symptoms:

  • Backache

  • Chills

  • Exhaustion

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Swollen lymph nodes

More information and answers to common questions can be found on the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions page for MPV.

Prevention & Transmission

Monkeypox is not as contagious as COVID-19 or the flu. The risk of spread is high during oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex and other intimate contact such as hugging, kissing, cuddling and massage. The monkeypox virus is most often spread through:

  • Direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus, or from coming in contact with clothing, bedding or other items used by the person with the virus.

  • Respiratory droplets passed through prolonged face-to-face contact

Due to a national shortage of MPV vaccines, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of MPV. 

  • Check:

    • Your skin for bumps, blisters, or rash that may look like pimples.

    • Genital areas, around the anus, trunk, face, hands and back.

    • Yourself and your partners.

    • Rash may be in the mouth, urethra, and/or rectum. Some or all symptoms may be present during MPV infection. Isolate if you experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and/or rash, which may or may not be painful.

  • Do not share bedding/towels and avoid skin-to-skin contact.

  • Wear a mask around others.

  • Whenever possible, limit the number of sex partners. A tight or closed network of partners may help reduce your risk of infection.

  • Avoid sex with partners whose MPV status is unknown.

If you start experiencing symptoms, isolate from others immediately and talk to your health care provider, or reach out to community health providers, such as Howard Brown Health (at 773.388.1600). Source Howard Brown Health.

Treatment, & Vaccination

Treatment

There is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox and most people get better on their own. However, Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an available treatment for qualifying people with severe MPV. Because TPOXX is available through the CDC’s Expanded Access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) protocol, providers are required to obtain written informed consent prior to starting the medication. Only a small percentage of people with MPV will be eligible for treatment with TPOXX. Please see eligibility requirements to receive TPOXX here. Source CDC.

Vaccination

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated guidelines regarding administering the Jynneos MPV vaccine (vaccine for smallpox and monkeypox). The current recommendation encourages healthcare providers to give a single dose of Jynneos to eligible Chicago residents as soon as possible.

The CDC recommends monkeypox vaccinations for:

  • men who have sex with men

  • transwomen who have sex with men

  • sex workers

  • people who have multiple sex partners

The vaccination is a series of two shots, so plan to get the second injection four weeks after the first shot. Vaccine FAQs via CDPH English, Spanish.

Here are locations where MPV vaccinations are available:

Walk-in

  • TPAN - Mondays at 5537 N. Broadway - access the most current information

  • Life is Work Clinic - August 12th & 26th, 10 AM - 12 PM at 5465 W. Chicago Ave - Contact Dymond Haynes (dhaynes@lifeisworks.org)

An Appointment is Required

  • CDPH Lakeview Clinic - 2849 N. Clark St., 1st Fl - 312.744.5507

  • Howard Brown Health Clark - 6500 N. Clark St. - 872.269.3600

  • Howard Brown Health Sheridan - 4025 N Sheridan Rd. - 872.269.3600

  • Howard Brown Health 63rd Street - 641 W 63rd Street - 872.269.3600

  • Howard Brown Health 55th Street - 1525 E 55th Street - 872.269.3600

  • Wellness Home-Lakeview - 2835 N. Sheffield Ave., #500 - 773-296-2400

  • Wellness Home-Halsted - 3416 S. Halsted St - 773-621-7725

  • Ruth M. Rothstein Core Center - 2020 W. Harrison Ave. - 312-448-4286

  • Rush University Adolescent Family Center - 1645 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 315A - 888-352-7874

  • Esperanza - 2001 S. California Ave., Suite 100 - esperanzachicago.org

  • Project Wish/ UIC - 840 S Wood St., Room B39 - uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9G3LAcBlLVYT3kq

Updated July 28, 2022.