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Monkeypox Information for Washington

Date: 08/05/22

According to the Washington State Department of Health, "monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause rashes and other symptoms. It does not commonly occur in the U.S., but there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries."

Monkeypox presents as a rash and flu-like symptoms. An individual remains infectious (able to spread the disease) from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed (2-4 weeks). Monkeypox is rarely fatal.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks following infection. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Headache
  • Swollen Lymph nodes
  • Muscle aches/backache
  • Respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, cough)
  • Rash (pimples/blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and/or hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus).

Over 5,000 cases of the viral monkeypox infection were reported in the United States with occurrences in all but three states.   Anyone can get monkeypox, regardless of age or gender. The CDC is carefully monitoring the spread of monkeypox and providing information on how to prevent, recognize, and treat the disease.

How is Monkeypox spread? Direct contact with:

  • An infected individual’s infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids 
  • Respiratory secretions from an infected individual during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. 
  • An infected individual’s belongings (such as objects, fabrics such as clothing/linens that previously touched the rash or body fluids). 
  • Contact with an infected animal (scratch/bite).

What steps can I take to help prevent getting monkeypox?

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact
    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
  • Avoid contact with objects/materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
    • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.

Coordinated Care Apple Health (Medicaid) members and Ambetter (marketplace) members are covered for telehealth services. If you have questions, please contact our Customer Serivce teams--we are happy to help!

  • Apple Health (Medicaid): 1-877-644-4613 (TTY: 711)
  • Ambetter from Coordinated Care (Marketplace): 1-877-687-1197 (TTY: 1-877-941-9238)

If you have severe pain or a rash that is spreading on your body, you may need antiviral treatment. Have your health care provider call your county health department for information. (WA State Dept. of Health July 28, 2022)

For more information see: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

For information in Spanish: https://www.cdc.gov/Spanish/monkeypox/