Monkeypox   |   Guidance/Resources   |    Information for Providers

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html

Guidance for persons who are sick and have been told they have monkeypox or are suspected of having monkeypox:

Monkeypox Isolation Guidance   ENGLISH   |   ESPAÑOL Updated 8/2/2022

Transmission

Most non-healthcare settings where people congregate, but do not live together would not be considered high-risk settings for monkeypox transmission (ex. non-healthcare workplaces, schools, daycares, grocery stores, etc). Monkeypox is most commonly transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact, please see CDC's exposure criteria to determine risk level should there be a monkeypox positive case in your congregate, non-living setting: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/monitoring.html  

For congregate living situations, including examples of these settings, please see CDC's guidance here:  https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/congregate.html 

Testing and Vaccination

Monkeypox testing and vaccination are available throughout Georgia.  Contact the Public Health District Office in your area for more information about scheduling an appointment or vaccination events.

CDC resources for prevention of monkeypox:

• Prevention steps: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention.html
• Sexual Health information: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/sexualhealth/index.html

Other CDC resources

• 2022 Outbreak Situational Summary: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html
• US Cases in the 2022 outbreak, including GA cases: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html
• For more information on transmission, prevention, FAQs for clinicians, infection prevention, and other up-to-date information, please see the tabs on the CDC Monkeypox page: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html