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 Current Status
In Washington state: On May 27, 2022, DOH and Public Health Seattle-King County confirmed a case of monkeypox virus infection in King County.

For current Washington State data, please visit the Department of Health monkeypox page. Data includes people who have tested positive for orthopoxvirus.

Monkeypox


​Monkeypox does not usually occur in the US, but there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries. Monkeypox is a viral disease causing rashes and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms

  • People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

    • The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

    • The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

  • Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

    • Fever

    • Headache

    • Muscle aches

    • Swollen lymph nodes

    • Chills 

    • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

  • You may experience all or only a few symptoms

    • Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.

    • Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.

    • Others only experience a rash.

  • Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

  • Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

  • People who may have symptoms of monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider. Before the visit, they should notify their healthcare provider that they are concerned about monkeypox, and whether they recently had close contact with a person who had a similar rash or a person who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.

  • Monkeypox Rash Photos

Prevention

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.

    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.

    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.

  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To keep from spreading the infection:

  • You can spread monkeypox from the start of symptoms until the rash has fully healed, which can take two to four weeks. 

  • Contact your healthcare provider and Island County Public Health at 360.914.0837 or 360.678.8246.

  • Stay home except for getting health care. Separate yourself from other people and from animals (mammals). Do not share bedding, towels, dishes, or utensils. Wash you laundry and dishes separately and routinely disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items.

  • Restrict family, friends, or other visitors to those with an essential need to be in the home.

  • Have somebody else take care of animals (mammals) like pets and livestock.

  • Avoid use of contact lenses to prevent accidental eye infection.

  • Avoid shaving rash-covered areas of the body as this can lead to spread of the virus.

  • Do not use public transportation (airplane, bus, taxi, shared car).

  • Wear well-fitting medical mask when in close contact with others at home.

Testing in Island County

Island County has coordinated with community healthcare providers to ensure access to testing on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Healthcare providers can reach out to Island County Public Health at 360.914.0837 for assistance with testing. We encourage anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, or anyone who has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox in the last 21 days, to contact a healthcare provider to see if they should be tested. Washington state has no shortage of testing capacity for monkeypox.

Monkeypox Vaccine

Monkeypox vaccine can help to prevent disease or make it less severe.

  • It can take up to three weeks after being exposed to the virus before symptoms begin.

  • CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of exposure for the best chance to prevent monkeypox. Vaccine can still be helpful within a couple of weeks of exposure at reducing the severity of symptoms but may not prevent onset of disease.

  • Vaccination is not currently recommended for the general public who are not at high risk of recent exposure to monkeypox.

  • Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed. This includes having sexual or close intimate contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.

Who is eligible for vaccine now?

Vaccination is available to the following populations. To schedule vaccination, please call Jen Krenz, MS MPH at 360.914.0037 or Melanie Davis, RN BSN at 360.678.8246.

  • Individuals who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 6 months

  • People who have used methamphetamine in the last 6 months

  • People who have exchanged sex for money, drugs, or other purposes in the past 6 months

  • People who have been sexually assaulted, regardless of gender or sexual orientation

  • People who have had sexual contact or prolonged skin-to-skin exposure with people who were exposed to MPV

  • A new diagnosis in the last 12 months of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).

For more information see Guidelines for JYNNEOS Vaccine Use from WA Dept. of Health.

 Contact
Community & Family Health Manager

360.914.0837

Melanie Davis, RN BSN
Public Health Nurse
360.678.8246

Public Health Nurse
360.678.8281

Community Health Specialist
360.914.0037

IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIABLE
For lab confirmed cases, call 360-914-0837 or 360-678-8246.

Confidential Fax: 360.221.8480

MPV Hotline
1-833-829-HELP
Language assistance available