ACL is working with our partners and stakeholders to help stop the spread of the monkeypox virus and support people affected by the outbreak. We created acl.gov/monkeypox to compile information and resources on the virus, how it affects older adults and people with disabilities, and what you can do to protect yourself. We will update the page as new resources become available.
What we know about monkeypox
The monkeypox virus can cause a painful, sometimes debilitating rash that looks like blisters or pimples. It may be mistaken for chickenpox, shingles, or herpes. It is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and typically last 2-4 weeks. The initial outbreak has been concentrated among men who have sex with men, however anyone can contract monkeypox.
How do you catch monkeypox?
Monkeypox is spread through close personal contact. This includes:
- Skin-to-skin contact. Most often, monkeypox is spread through intimate contact. However, holding someone with monkeypox or dressing, transferring, or bathing also could transmit the virus.
- Clothing or linens that have been used by someone with monkeypox and have not been disinfected can spread the virus.
- Exposure to respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.
A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Are older adults and people with disabilities at greater risk?
People in congregate settings like nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living facilities may be at increased risk of contracting and spreading monkeypox due to the close, prolonged contact residents have with each other and staff. CDC stresses that there is no cause for alarm, but staff and residents should remain vigilant. See CDC’s special guidance around Congregate Living Settings.
In addition, people who are immunocompromised or have a history of eczema, as well as people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may be more likely to get seriously ill from a monkeypox infection.
Prevention and treatment
Monkeypox can be prevented by avoiding close contact with someone who is infected with the virus. CDC recommends that all people follow these basic prevention steps:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. This also means following safer sex practices.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
- Wash your hands often.
In addition, residents and staff in congregate settings should follow infection control guidelines, including isolation and disinfectant protocols.
Should I get vaccinated?
CDC currently recommends vaccination only for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at highest risk due to sexual behavior. Learn more from CDC's website.
What should I do if I think I have monkeypox?
If you have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
How do I get tested, vaccinated, or treated?
The CDC has information on Prevention and Treatment, including who is eligible for vaccines and antivirals.
To find a vaccination provider, visit your local Department of Health’s website or call 311.
Antiviral medicines may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, which includes people with weakened immune systems. (Most people with monkeypox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.) The antiviral TPOXX must be ordered by a doctor; it is not available at retail pharmacies.
Vaccination and antiviral medications are free even for those without insurance, though there may be associated costs like a charge to visit your primary care physician.