Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a viral illness that primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact, although it can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. It is endemic in some countries but not the United States, though several countries, including the United States, have seen cases in 2022.
Confirmed and probable cases in Maricopa County as of 8/12/2022
Data is updated daily during weekday (Monday-Friday) mornings with data as of the day before
| Confirmed and probable cases | |
| Total | 150 |
For more data, see the CDC case counts map. Please note, CDC updates this map daily Monday-Friday.
Monkeypox Resources
- Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Monkeypox
- Reducing the Risk of Monkeypox: Safer SexF
- What to Know about Monkeypox if You are a Teen or Young Adult (PDF)
Vaccine Eligibility
Currently, limited vaccine doses are available and are being prioritized for people who are at higher risk of getting monkeypox.
- People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox
- People who are aware that 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
- Health care providers who work in settings where exposure to monkeypox infection is anticipated on a daily basis, such as:
- Lab workers who routinely work with monkeypox specimens
- Health care providers who work in sexual health/STI clinics
- Health care providers who work in settings primarily serving LGBTQIA+ communities
Note: The vaccine is NOT recommended for the majority of healthcare providers at this time UNLESS they have a known monkeypox exposure. Only providers who work in settings where exposure to monkeypox infection is anticipated on a daily basis OR have had high risk exposure to an individual diagnosed with monkeypox are eligible for vaccination.
Anyone who fits into one or more of these categories can choose to get vaccinated against monkeypox. Vaccine eligibility may change as supply changes.
Additional clinics will be scheduled as more doses are received.
Interested in updates on vaccine availability? Fill out Maricopa County's interest survey »
Vaccine in Arizona is in limited supply and is currently being distributed through three counties:
- Maricopa County (central Arizona)
- Supporting residents of Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal counties
- Coconino County (northern Arizona)
- Supporting residents of Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties
- Pima County (southern Arizona)
- Supporting residents of Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties
Monkeypox typically begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.
- Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms and some people only experience a rash or sores
- The rash or sores are sometimes located on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas like the hands, feet, chest or face – sores will go through several stages before healing (see below)
- Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus
The rash may begin as small, flat, round discolorations that become raised and fluid-filled (clear or pus) before scabbing. These spots and the fluid in them carry virus that can infect others. Once scabs fall off, the area is no longer infectious.
The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. Most patients with monkeypox fully recover from the virus without treatment.
If you have symptoms, including any unexplained rash: Please call your healthcare provider and inform them of your symptoms. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can find one at FindHelpPhx.org or call (602) 506-6767 for assistance.
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores, fluid, or scabs
- Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
- Through respiratory droplets or oral fluids from a person with monkeypox
This contact can happen during intimate sexual contact including:
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox
- Hugging, massage, or kissing and talking closely
- Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox
We know the virus can be spread in fluid or pus from monkeypox sores, and are trying to better understand if the virus could be present in semen, vaginal fluids or other body fluids.
According to the CDC, a person is more likely to develop monkeypox if they:
- Report having contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox
OR - Had close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity; this includes men who have sex with men (MSM) who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
OR - Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where Monkeypox virus is endemic
OR - Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a new rash.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- 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.
Most people get well from monkeypox without needing any medicines or other treatment. There is no medicine that the FDA has approved for monkeypox treatment. However, Tecovirimat (TPOXX or ST-246) is an antiviral medication available for the treatment of monkeypox infection.
Maricopa County Department of Public Health cannot directly consult with the public on TPOXX. If you believe you could benefit from TPOXX, talk with your primary care provider and have your PCP reach out to MCDPH to discuss TPOXX treatment options.
At this time, emergency rooms, urgent care centers and pharmacies do not have access to TPOXX.
As most cases of monkeypox resolve without treatment and are not severe, referral for testing to local emergency departments/urgent care centers is not usually necessary. Please see the SURV alert from 7/13/2022 for more details on testing options.
Please note: the phone number listed in the SURV alert is for provider use only. You may refer patients to the MCDPH CARES Team at (602) 506-6767.
For more healthcare provider information, visit our Healthcare Provider page.
For more information, visit CDC.gov/monkeymox and monkeypox FAQs.