Monkeypox
If you are eligible for vaccination
Call YKHC at 907-543-6949 to schedule monkeypox vaccination
If you think you have been exposed
Call YKHC at 907-543-6420 for monkeypox testing and confidential contact tracing
Monkeypox vaccination
A vaccine is available to prevent monkeypox.
It is recommended for:
- people who have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners within the past six months AND identify as gay, bisexual, or other men or transgender
- people who have sex with men or transgender people
- people at high risk of exposure, including men who have sex with men
- people who have been exposed
If you identify with the eligibility listed above, call 907-543-6949 to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
The monkeypox vaccine can be given:
- before exposure to prevent infection
- after exposure to reduce infection and serious illness
Source: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx
Monkeypox is...
- Monkeypox is an infectious disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and a rash. Having monkeypox may be uncomfortable, but it rarely causes death.
- Symptoms usually start within 4 days of exposure to the virus. Illness lasts 2-4 weeks.
- Treatments and a vaccine exist but have limited availability at this time. Prevention is the best approach for avoiding monkeypox.
Monkeypox spreads by...
- Close physical contact (skin-to-skin, face-to-face, kissing and sex) with a person with symptoms. Sexual contact is the most common form of transmission at this time.
- Touching objects (towels, clothing, dishes) that a symptomatic person has used.
- Pregnancy (from mom to baby).
The virus can spread from when symptoms start until the rash and scabs are fully healed.
Symptoms may include...
- Rash that may look like pimples or blisters, and may be painful or itchy. Often they are on the hands, face, feet, chest or genitals.
- Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, sore muscles.
- Symptoms may be mild.
Monkeypox prevention...
- Avoid close physical contact with someone who has monkeypox or a new and unexplained rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Limit sexual partners and avoid casual, anonymous sexual partners.
- Talk with sexual partners about symptoms.
- Do not touch objects that someone with monkeypox has used.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Monkeypox self check...
- Do you have a rash that looks like pimples or blisters on your hands, face, feet, chest or genitals?
- Do you feel sick or have flu-like symptoms?
- If you think you have monkeypox, avoid close contact with others and call YKHC at 907-543-6420.
If you think you have monkeypox...
If you have a new or unexplained rash or flu-like symptoms:
- Avoid close physical and direct contact with others, including animals.
- Cover the rash, wear a mask, and avoid public gatherings.
- Call YKHC at 907-543-6420 to ask about testing, confidential contact tracing, and vaccination.
Until all symptoms are gone:
- Avoid sexual, intimate, and direct contact with others.
- Do not share objects (towels, clothing, dishes) with others.
- Clean and disinfect used objects.
- Wash or sanitize hands often.