2022 Monkeypox Outbreak
The 2022 Monkeypox outbreak has caused concern across the world with global cases hitting over 55,000 and US cases over 20,000 as of August 2022. The monkeypox virus (MPV) has been known about for quite some time but has only recently made headlines in the United States due to a sudden rise in domestic cases. It is important to note that anyone is susceptible to contracting monkeypox and a vaccine for it has been available for decades. It is a painful but treatable disease with a low death rate in the United States.
The UIC College of Dentistry is committed to serving you while keeping you as safe as possible. To minimize the risk of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and monkeypox among its patients and visitors, the College is still enforcing masking, has installed HEPA-BPI air filtration systems in our facilities, and complies with all federal, state, and local guidelines on infection control for healthcare facilities.
Some key points about monkeypox:
Transmission
- Monkeypox is transmitted through close contact with active monkeypox rashes and sores
- Monkeypox also can be spread by touching bedding, clothing, towels, or other objects that have been used by someone with monkeypox
- The risk of transmission of monkeypox is considered low
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms typically start to appear 5 to 21 days after an exposure. If you have monkeypox you may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory Issues
- Rash
- Sores and/or lesions
The rash will typically resemble pimples or blisters and eventually scabs over and heals. It can appear on the face, inside the mouth, in the genital area, in the area around the anus, or on other parts of the body. The illness usually lasts 2–4 weeks.
Recovery
- One of the major symptoms of monkeypox is a distinct rash that takes about 2–4 weeks to subside
UIC College of Dentistry offers services in comprehensive, urgent, and specialty care and is open for business during this outbreak. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please visit https://dentistry.uic.edu/patients/request-an-appointment/.
If you would like to determine your eligibility for the MPV vaccine, please visit the Chicago Department of Public Health MPV vaccine resources site. If you are eligible please schedule an appointment with UI Health using MyChart or call (833) 536- 9829.
References:
https://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/infectious-diseases/monkeypox
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/monkeypox/home/vaccine.html
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html