Based on the information about monkeypox in Delaware available at this time, the risk to the public appears low.

This information is updated by the Division of Public Health daily. Learn more about monkeypox data in Delaware

This information is updated by the Division of Public Health daily. Learn more about monkeypox data in Delaware

The current number of identified Monkeypox cases can be found on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage. Based on the information about monkeypox in Delaware available at this time, risk to the public appears low.

At this time, national data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current monkeypox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, is at risk.

Call the Monkeypox hotline: 1-866-408-1899

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  What You Need to Know Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be spread between people and certain animals. The monkeypox virus is a part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox.   What is Monkeypox? An example of a Monkeypox rash. View of a person’s shoulder and back with a blistering rash that includes pus filed lesions. The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be spread between people and certain animals. The monkeypox virus is a part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox.  

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

  It can spread by touching objects:  

  Exposure can happen during intimate contact, including:  

  Having multiple or anonymous sex partners may increase your chances of exposure to monkeypox.

  In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually seven to 14 days but can range from five to 21 days.

Within one to three days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

Ask about getting tested for Monkeypox.

When visiting your doctor and to prevent the possible spread.

Smallpox antivirals may be prescribed.

Isolate until the rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, or are concerned you may have been exposed, contact your health care provider to discuss testing. Don’t have a health care provider? Contact MPX hotline at 1-866-408-1899 to discuss scheduling a testing appointment at a public health clinic. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your health care provider.

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used. Learn more about smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and VIG treatments.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your health care provider.

Delaware is currently offering vaccination to people at higher risk of exposure, including:

It is important to understand that while there may be many persons in DE who want a monkeypox vaccine, not everyone in the population needs a monkeypox vaccine. This is very different from COVID. Spread is primarily through direct contact with an infected person and not airborne transmission. Vaccines are not recommended for children. There are things that people in the general public, as well as the LGTBQ+ community can do to protect themselves regardless of their ability to access vaccine such as limiting direct contact with anyone with a concerning rash, limiting the number of intimate partners, talking openly with intimate contacts about recent behaviors, and not sharing bedding, towels and eating or drinking utensils with anyone who does.  

Call the DPH Hotline at 1-866-408-1899 to coordinate an over the phone screening evaluation, and to schedule an appointment with a public health clinic.

Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling

Visit NewarkUrgentCare.org to schedule an appointment. Clinics are held on Thursdays.

  There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus:  

  Proper cleaning of all exposed items is essential following a case of monkeypox. Poxviruses can survive in linens, clothing and on surfaces. In one study, investigators found live virus 15 days after a patient’s home was left unoccupied. Porous materials (bedding, clothing, etc.) may harbor live virus for longer periods of time than non-porous (plastic, glass, metal) surfaces. People who have recovered from monkeypox and whose isolation period has ended should disinfect all spaces within the home they had been in contact with. Follow the steps below to minimize risk of infection to others in your home after recovery.  

  Wear protective clothing. If cleaning and disinfection is done by someone other than the person with monkeypox, that person should wear, at a minimum, disposable medical gloves and a respirator or well fitting mask. Clothing that fully covers the skin should be worn, and immediately laundered. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer.  

If cleaning and disinfection is done by someone other than the person with monkeypox, that person should wear, at a minimum, disposable medical gloves and a respirator or well fitting mask. Clothing that fully covers the skin should be worn, and immediately laundered. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Use an EPA recommended disinfectant. Focus on disinfecting items and surfaces that were in direct contact with the skin. Do not dry dust or sweep as this may spread infectious particles.

Wash sheets, blankets, clothes, and towels.

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