Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Since May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported in more than 50 countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States.

At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the United States is believed to be low. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people; however, anyone in close contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

For more information, visit:

CT Department of Public Health Monkeypox Webpage:
https://portal.ct.gov/dph/epidemiology-and-emerging-infections/ct-monkeypox

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monkeypox Webpage:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

CDC Monkeypox – Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/faq.html