Monkeypox Info
How is monkeypox spread?
- Direct contact with rashes, scabs, body fluids, or a person with monkeypox.
- Extended close contact (more than four hours) with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This includes sexual contact.
- Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or body fluids of an infected person.
- An infected pregnant person can spread the monkeypox virus to a fetus.
What to do to limit risk.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with an infected animal or person.
- Isolate people who have monkeypox from healthy people.
- Wash your haves well with soap and water after any contact with an infected person or animal.
- Avoid animals that may carry the virus.
What are the symptoms?
- Symptoms may start 5 to 21 days after you are exposed
- Symptoms last 2 to 4 weeks
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backaches
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes
What do I do if I think I have or have been exposed to monkeypox?
- Call your general practitioner
- Get tested; We recommend contacting the University of Missouri Clinics to get tested, call them at 573-882-7000.
- If you have been exposed, call the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services to get the vaccine at 573-874-7355. You must have a documented exposure and supplies are very limited at this time.
What to do if I HAVE monkeypox?
- Always consult with your general practitioner before starting an at-home remedy.
- Take pain relievers/fever reducers. Medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help you feel better.
- Take oatmeal baths. This will help soothe the itching.
- Isolate yourself, and avoid contact with others until all lesions have scabbed.
- Cover lesions with gauze or bandages to limit the environmental spread.
- Take care of yourself, stay home and rest, wear your mask around others and get plenty of fluids.
- Avoid contact with pets (especially rodents).
- REMINDER, you remain contagious until all sores are scabbed over.
When Should I go to the ER (after being diagnosed with monkeypox)?
- Trouble breathing.
- New or worsening chest pain.
- Stiff neck.
- Are confused or can’t think clearly.
- Difficulty speaking or moving.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
At this time, Spectrum Health Care is not conducting monkeypox testing, vaccination or treatment.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
If there is ever a constant at Spectrum Health Care, it is change. Change is a necessary force that keeps us true to our mission in addressing health disparities and inequalities, to achieve optimal health outcomes for marginalized individuals and families in our communities. read more…
Medicaid Expansion Enrollment
SHC is pleased to offer personalized assistance and information on your options for health insurance coverage in Missouri! Our Community Health Workers are skilled at navigating the system and finding the right fit for your medical insurance needs.
Visit Cover Missouri today and in a few short clicks, you can find someone to assist you gain health care coverage you need and deserve!
