Loyola Medicine Infectious Disease Experts Discuss Monkeypox

MAYWOOD, IL – Illinois has reported its first presumptive case of monkeypox, in an adult male Chicago resident with a recent travel history to Europe. While the case remains isolated and there is no indication there is a great risk of extensive local spread of the virus, Loyola Medicine infectious disease experts are available to discuss monkeypox symptoms, transmission, treatment options and more.

"I don't think the general population should be worried," said Jorge Parada, MPH, MD, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control at Loyola Medicine. "The bottom line is that while it can be pretty easily spread from any open lesion, aerosol transmission is exceptionally rare."

Monkeypox symptoms include headache, skin rash, fever, body aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes. Skin lesions typically begin to develop simultaneously and evolve together on any given part of the body. The evolution of lesions progresses through four stages — macular, papular, vesicular, to pustular, before scabbing over and resolving.

"There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, although antivirals developed for use in smallpox may prove beneficial," said David Slade, MD, Loyola Medicine's Associate Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control. "Typically, the smallpox vaccine is protective against monkeypox."

The CDC is urging health care providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox and possible exposure history. Among the risks, having traveled to countries with recently confirmed cases of monkeypox, or reporting contact with a person or people who have a suspicious rash or have received a diagnosis of confirmed or suspected monkeypox.

"All of our physicians are monitoring patients closely for signs of monkeypox," said Kevin Smith, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Loyola University Medical Center. "Our infectious disease and emergency departments are ready to respond and initiate precautions to keep the community safe."