In May 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox–a rare viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus–was confirmed with a cluster of cases found in the United Kingdom. Since then, countries around the world have seen an uptick in monkeypox cases, including the United States. While monkeypox cases are increasing across the country, the general population is currently at low risk of contracting the disease, and the spread of monkeypox is different from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic:
There is a vaccine for monkeypox.
Monkeypox can be treated with available antiviral medicines.
While COVID-19 passed easily from person to person, monkeypox does not spread as easily between people. Monkeypox transmission typically requires skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with body fluids, or prolonged face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Monkeypox infections are typically not severe; symptoms are usually similar to the flu with a rash and resolve within 2-4 weeks.
Monkeypox is Not Spread Through
Walking by someone with monkeypox, like in a grocery store
Touching items like doorknobs
Eligibility for Vaccine
Due to limited vaccine supply, individuals who are eligible at this time include adults 18 years or older who live or work in Wyoming and meet one of the following criteria:
Men who have sex with men and have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners in the last year; OR
Partners of men who have sex with men who have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners in the last year; OR
Transgender and nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with multiple or anonymous sexual partners who are male or male assigned at birth within the past year, OR
Sex workers (of any gender); OR
Have been in close contact with a person who has received a positive test result for monkeypox; OR
Have been in close contact with a person who thinks they have monkeypox or has symptoms of monkeypox (including rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and back pain).
Note: People who currently have a fever, rash, or sores cannot get vaccinated. Instead, they should separate from others and contact a healthcare provider to get tested. If you do not have a healthcare provider, please call our COVID/Monkeypox Hotline at 307-732-8628.