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Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Learn more about how Monkeypox spreads.
CDC Monkeypox Transmition
November 25, 2022
Current data suggest that about 40% of people diagnosed with monkeypox in the United States also had HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). CDC doesn’t know if having HIV increases the likelihood of getting sick with monkeypox if exposed to the virus. However, we do know that people with severe immunocompromise (like advanced HIV) are at increased risk of severe monkeypox, or even death, if they become infected. Learn more about how monkeypox spreads
Taking your HIV medication as prescribed and keeping an undetectable viral load are the best things you can do to stay healthy and doing so also prevents you from sexually transmitting HIV to your HIV-negative partner. Learn more about how to live well with HIV.
CDC Monkeypox Information and Resources
Resources for LGBTQ+ communities:
Riverside County Monkeypox information
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox”, the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.
Supportive Home Care Guide for Monkeypox by the Riverside County Department of Public Health