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Monkeypox Information
Information about the monkeypox virus in the City of St. Louis
Overview
Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
As of now, there is no treatment for monkeypox. However, antiviral medication for smallpox may be used for people who are likely to get severely ill.
View information from the CDC about monkeypox.
View information from the World Health Organization about monkeypox.
Town Hall Discussion
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Monkeypox - Stigma, Misinformation & Prevention
Department of Health | Community Event | 6:00 PM
On This Page
Toolkit
Educational materials produced to share accurate information about monkeypox
Symptoms
The monkeypox virus is part of the same family as smallpox. Therefore, the symptoms you may experience can be similar! Keep in mind that monkeypox and chickenpox are NOT related.
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters. It can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus
News
-
White House Declares Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency
The U.S. announcement comes almost a month after the WHO announced monkeypox is a public health emergency of international concern.
Press release | Department of Health | 08/05/2022 -
Probable Case of Monkeypox Being Investigated in the City of St. Louis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified three previous cases of monkeypox in Missouri.
Press release | Department of Health | 07/12/2022
Spread and Prevention
Monkeypox can spread in various ways. However, there is a higher risk of transmission through direct contact:
- rubbing or touching the infectious scab, rash, or body fluid
- face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
To avoid catching monkeypox, you should avoid contact with infected individuals.
- Do not touch rash or scabs of an infected person
- Do not kiss or hug someone who is suspected of having monkeypox
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox
Testing Locations
- Your primary care provider
- TAUC (Total Access Urgent Care)
- Affinia Healthcare
- CareSTL Health
Vaccine Information
There is currently a vaccine for monkeypox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that the current stock of monkeypox vaccines should only be used for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) on a case-by-case basis, according to state guidelines.
Here are the criteria that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has established for PEP:
- People who may have been exposed to monkeypox, such as:
- People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox
- People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox
Videos
Contact
Department of Health
(314) 612-5100
1520 Market,
Room 4051
St. Louis, MO 63103
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
