Monkeypox

Introduction

First identified in Colorado in May 2022, monkeypox is a virus in the orthopox family of viruses. Monkeypox is rare, but it can be serious for people who get sick. 

Monkeypox can spread from person to person when someone who has monkeypox has close contact with someone else. Close contact can mean physical contact with a sick person’s sores, bumps or lesions, including sex. Monkeypox can also spread through touching the bed linens or clothing of someone who is sick. Monkeypox can also live on other surfaces for some time.

According to the CDC, monkeypox has recently been spreading in parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It is endemic in central and west Africa. Recent data suggest people who have recently traveled to a country where monkeypox has been reported or men who have sex with other men are at heightened risk.

Resources and Preventative Measures 

CDPHE Monkeypox Dashboard: hosts current case counts by county, resources and helpful links. 

Testing: Jefferson County Public Health Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic Phone: (303) 239-7040 Address: 645 Parfet St., Lakewood, CO 80215 (JCPH Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic is currently only evaluating patients who have a rash.)

Vaccine: CDPHE is hosting a limited number of free vaccine clinics for eligible Coloradans who meet the criteria below. Request a vaccine appointment using this form. Appointment requests will be made available based on our extremely limited vaccine allotment from the federal government.

• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men aged 18 years and older who have had multiple sexual partners, and/or sexual partners they did not previously know, in the last 14 days.
• Anyone aged 18 years and older who believes they have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox in the last 14 days.

Public resources:

1. Monkeypox (CDC)
2. Signs and Symptoms: What to look for (includes images)
3. Household disinfection following a diagnosis of monkeypox