Monkeypox is a rare 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.

Infections with the type of monkeypox virus identified in this outbreak -- the Clade IIb -- are rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive.

However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill.

The Clade I type of monkeypox virus has a fatality rate around 10%.

The risk of getting Monkeypox in the US at this time is believed to be low.

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
• Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
• Contact with respiratory secretions.

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, vaccines developed to protect against smallpox viruses may be used to prevent monkeypox infections.

The U.S. government has two stockpiled vaccines -- JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 -- that can prevent monkeypox in people who are exposed to the virus.

Vaccines are being distributed to local health departments and jurisdictions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox, including:

• People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox
• People who know 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

If you think you may be eligible for vaccination, contact your healthcare provider or the local health department at 361-826-7200. They can help you determine if you should get vaccinated.

If you feel you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider or call the local health department at 361-826-7200.

Monkeypox is zoonotic, meaning it can spread between animals and people. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not currently believe that monkeypox poses a high risk to pets.