Monkeypox is a virus that comes from the same family of viruses that cause smallpox.  Public health officials are tracking cases of monkeypox in several countries, including the United States.  The following case count maps are located online:

- Global map - https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/world-map.html

- US map - https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/us-map.html

- Iowa map - https://idph.iowa.gov/ehi/monkeypox
  

Monkeypox symptoms:

Monkeypox symptoms can include: fever; headache; muscle aches and backache; swollen lymph nodes; chills; exhaustion; and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body (like hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus).

Monkeypox spreads in different ways, including:

- Person-to-person through direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids

- Through secretions

- To the fetus through the placenta of a pregnant person

- Touching items (like clothing or linens) that previously touched the monkeypox rash or body fluids

- Contact with, eating the meat of, or using products from infected animals 

Anyone in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk, though early counts suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases.

Questions related to Monkeypox may be directed to the Iowa Department of Heath and Human Services (HHS) Division of Public Health's main line at 515-281-7689.

Health care providers in Iowa that suspect a monkeypox infection should immediately HHS.  During business hours, clinicians should call 1-800-362-2736, and 515-323-4360 after business hours.

Answers to frequently asked questions are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/faq.html. 

Information for healthcare professionals can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/index.html.

Iowa specific guidance is located at HHS's webpage https://idph.iowa.gov/ehi/monkeypox. 

Monkeypox Vaccine:

Individuals who may be at high risk of contracting monkeypox may be eligible to receive the Jynneos vaccine.  To determine if you are currently eligible and to register to receive the vaccine as it becomes more widely available:

• contact our office at 563-326-8618
• or complete this survey 

Due to limited quantities of vaccine, it may be several weeks or longer before individuals are notified of vaccine availability.