What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox virus was first found in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It has also been found in different kinds of rodents and primates in Africa.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same group of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox virus was first found in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It has also been found in different kinds of rodents and primates in Africa.
Cause/Symptoms
Transmission
Incubation
Period of Communicability
- Fever
- Headache
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Blisters
Transmission
- Bitten by an infected animal
- Touching the blood, body fluids, lesions of an infected animal or person
- Touching objects that are contaminated with the virus. (clothing, bedding etc.)
- Person to person through large respiratory droplets
Incubation
- Blisters appear one to three days after the onset of fever
- Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure, with a range of 5–21 days.
Period of Communicability
- Usually last 2-4 weeks
We can discuss your child's return to daycare once all the following criteria has been met:
- A least 14 days have passed since the onset of symptoms/diagnosis
- All the blisters have dried up and fallen off
- Child has been symptom free for at least 48 hours
- Child can join in the activities
- A doctor's note is required stating your child is no longer contagious
- Your child can eat and drink normally
- The daycare's fever policy has been followed
Your child is required to remain home for at least fourteen (14) days, if not longer.