Monkeypox FAQ

How can I get vaccinated for Monkeypox?

New & established patients CLICK HERE to begin a pre-screening questionnaire to see if you qualify to receive the Monkeypox (JYNNEOS) vaccine.

How can I get tested for Monkeypox?

Based on high demand, we are currently ONLY able to evaluate and test established patients for Monkeypox. Please log into your Patient Portal to request an acute appointment.

General Information about Monkeypox

What is Monkeypox?

It is an illness that comes from the Monkeypox virus. It mostly spreads from close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Monkeypox or by touching a Monkeypox rash or scab.

It can also be spread by touching items or fabrics that someone with Monkeypox has touched or by coming into contact with their respiratory secretions. Even though it can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex, it is not a sexually transmitted infection. More information from the CDC can be found here.

Why are we monitoring it so closely?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people living with HIV make up 40% of the total Monkeypox cases. When it comes to sexual orientation, about 97% identified as men who has sex with men.

Damien Center is posting additional signage about safety precautions in place to protect clients and staff from contracting Monkeypox. This includes cleaning with medical-grade wipes, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for people working with clients who have symptoms of Monkeypox and adjusting protocols as we receive additional information about the virus.

What are the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox?

People with monkeypox get a rash that can be in certain areas of the body or multiple areas. During the current outbreak, many people with monkeypox have developed the rash around or near the genitals or anus. It can also happen on other places like the torso, hands, feet, face and in the mouth.

Other symptoms can include flu-like ones such as chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are swollen, usually tender spots in the armpit, neck, under the jaw and chin, or behind the ears.

It is important to know that people may have these symptoms before the rash or after. They may also only have the rash. The rash can be painful or itchy and appear like pimples, blisters, and eventually scabs before they heal.

How do I prevent Monkeypox?

Although Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be spread during sex and other close touching, massage, or kissing. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk for infection such as: talking to partners about any symptoms and holding off if one of you are ill, having virtual sex, consider sex with your clothes covering areas where rash is present, and washing all clothing or bedding after sex.

Condoms may help reduce the chance of spread during contact with the genitalia, mouth, or anus. You can also consider having a "sex bubble" or limiting anonymous partners.

For more information, please reference the CDC Handout on Monkeypox and Safer Sex.

Additional ways to prevent Monkeypox:

• Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who may have Monkeypox
• Avoiding contact with objects and materials that a person with Monkeypox used
• Washing hands often
• Getting vaccinated if you are at increased risk for infection

What do I do if I was exposed to Monkeypox or if I start to have symptoms of Monkeypox?

If you have been around someone that tested positive for Monkeypox or have the symptoms in the list above, please contact your healthcare provider, case manager, or health navigator to help coordinate a medical appointment for you. Your provider will speak with you about symptoms or an exposure to get you the care you need. Try to isolate from others until you get medical advice.

What type of treatment is available for it at The Damien Center or healthcare provider?

Due to increased demand and speed at which the virus is spreading in some communities, there are multiple treatment plans available. A vaccine is available in limited quantities, and antiviral drug options are all possible plans your healthcare provider will discuss with you if you are tested Monkeypox.

Damien Center will receive treatments in various forms for Monkeypox, but you should speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you. Tests and vaccinations are available free of charge. The Damien Center will receive vaccine doses from the Indiana Department of Health and will work with providers to ensure those with high risk, confirmed exposures, or other health conditions are able to access appropriate care.

How long does the illness last?

Monkeypox usually only lasts a few weeks, but it is important to get treatment for it. Treatment can keep symptoms from getting worse or help avoid more serious illness. Current information about treatments in Indiana can be found here. If you are treated for Monkeypox, you can expect some additional follow-up with your provider, the Indiana Department of Health, or contact tracers to better understand the spread and effect of the virus in our community.

We are working with community partners, Indiana Department of Health, and the CDC to monitor cases and update our response accordingly. Please check our website and social media pages for updates. If you have health concerns about Monkeypox, please contact your healthcare provider.

Información sobre Monkeypox en español: Building Healthy Online Communities page in Spanish