- The World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency in July 2022.
- There are approximately 990 confirmed cases in Texas.
- Monkeypox is preventable and treatable and rarely fatal.
- Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets or contaminated materials, such as bedding or utensils.
- Symptoms can start with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
- After flu-like symptoms, a rash appears that can look like pimples or blisters.
- There is a vaccine, but it is limited in supply and currently available to populations most at risk of infection.
- The antiviral drugs approved for treatment of smallpox may be used for treatment of monkeypox. Antivirals may be recommended for people who are at risk of getting severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
- Trusted and accurate information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Contact us at 325-573-1300 if you have symptoms or have been exposed.
