TRAD6004 - Guidance on Monkeypox for First Responders

Course Description

A confirmed case of monkeypox in the United States has added to the recent concern about the spread of the monkeypox virus.

In response, the Department of Health and Human Services' National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) published EMS Response to the Current Outbreak of Monkeypox on May 19, 2022. This guide includes actionable information, such as:

• Identifying the signs, symptoms and risk factors for monkeypox.
• EMS strategies for preventing the spread of monkeypox.
• How to prevent person-to-person transmission of monkeypox.

Other information emergency medical services (EMS) providers should know about monkeypox:

• It's a rare but potentially serious viral illness related to the smallpox virus.
• It's very unlikely that EMS providers will encounter a person infected with monkeypox during routine operations.
• It's found mainly in central and western Africa. Cases of monkeypox outside of Africa are typically linked to international travel or imported animals.
• It typically spreads from close person-to-person contact through large respiratory droplets, direct contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids, or indirect contact via contaminated clothing or linens.
• Its symptoms include fever and chills, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash similar to chickenpox that can spread throughout the body, notably on the palms of the hands.

Monkeypox symptoms

People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may experience all or only a few symptoms

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

Learner Outcomes

• Identifying the signs, symptoms and risk factors for monkeypox.
• EMS strategies for preventing the spread of monkeypox.
• How to prevent person-to-person transmission of monkeypox.