Arkansas Department of Health

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MonkeyPox

Monkeypox call-line: 1-800-803-7847

The first case of monkeypox in Arkansas was identified in July 2022.

Cases of Monkeypox in Arkansas
15
Last Updated: 08.12.22
Monkeypox Map

Symptoms

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a painful rash that occurs seven to 14 days after exposure. The rash may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face

Transmission

Monkeypox is spread through close contact and can be transmitted to anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity. It can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. This can include household and/or intimate contact. Spreading can also occur when contacting contaminated items, such as clothing. It may be transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions; however, it is not an airborne illness.

Monkeypox is NOT spread through casual, brief conversations or walking by someone with monkeypox, like at a grocery store.

Testing

Contact a health care provider right away to talk about diagnosis, testing, and treatment options. If you do not have a health care provider, please contact the ADH call center at 1-800-803-7847 to locate a local health unit near you.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs are also available for the treatment of the illness. Although most cases are self-limiting without treatment, you might need treatment if you have severe disease, are immunocompromised, have a history of atopic dermatitis or other active exfoliative skin conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a concurrent disease or other comorbidities. Decisions about treatment should always be discussed with your medical provider. Treatment can also be used when lesions develops in the eyes, mouth, or other anatomical areas where monkeypox virus infection might constitute a special hazard (e.g., the genitals or anus).

• Currently, there is no treatment explicitly approved for monkeypox virus infections. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial against monkeypox. TPOXX is an antiviral medication being used as an investigational treatment. If your medical provider feels this would benefit you, please contact ADH at 1-800-803-7847.

Vaccines

There are vaccines available for people who meet the criteria.

• Two vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available for preventing monkeypox. People can be vaccinated following exposure to monkeypox to help prevent illness from the monkeypox virus. The vaccine is not effective once symptoms of monkeypox have started. Currently, the vaccine will be provided to these individuals:
  • confirmed and presumed monkeypox exposures (includes those who had close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox)
  • those who know their sexual partner was diagnosed with monkeypox
  • men who have sex with men (MSM) who in the last 14 days had a sexual encounter in a venue where there was known to be spread of monkeypox or in an area where monkeypox is spreading
  • To locate a vaccine provider near you, see the Vaccine Location map below.

 

Vaccine Location Map

For Providers

Testing is currently available through several large commercial laboratories, including LabCorp, Quest, Aegis, Sonic Healthcare, and Mayo Labs. For providers planning to test through a commercial lab, there is no need to contact ADH prior to testing. For providers needing to test through ADH’s Glen F. Baker Public Health Lab, call ADH’s Outbreak Response Section first at 501-537-8969.

• Monkeypox Specimen Guidance
• Testing Information

 

Resources:

• Monkeypox Update
• CDC
• Monkeypox: Get the Facts
• Social Gatherings, Safer Sex and Monkeypox