NYC Orthopoxvirus (monkeypox) Info and Precautions
Photo by Anna Shvets
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Please proceed with the intent of gaining more information. (Scroll to the bottom for links)
What We Know
Orthopoxvirus, aka monkeypox is NOT a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Orthopoxvirus is known to be spread by close intimate contact like: hugging, massaging, kissing, touching, wrestling, sexual contact, prolonged face-to-face contact and coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or fabrics. It can be spread through body fluids. A pregnant person can spread the virus to the fetus through the placenta. It is also possible to contract the virus from an infected animal. Infection is considered from the time someone shows symptoms until the lesions/rashes completely heal with new skin. The illness and isolation time can last on average from 2-4 weeks, but the range has shown to be 1-6 weeks. It can stay on surfaces for several days and can be passed by droplets. Currently, it does seem like the virus can be passed while an infected person is still asymptomatic.
Orthopoxvirus usually (but not always) starts with flu-like symptoms such as: swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, body aches prior to the rash. Rashes can appear before flu-like symptoms. Orthopoxvirus rashes can initially look like acne, razor bumps, blisters or insect bites and eventually develop into painful, open sores and lesions. The illness can cause secondary infections like MRSA, cellulitis, sepsis and generally can compromise the immune system. It can cause medical complications, severe pain and hospitalization. Having this illness does not mean you will have all of the symptoms.
Currently, it seems that testing is very limited. You must have lesions that can be swabbed in order to be tested - lesions that can be swabbed usually appear during a more severe state of illness. Hopefully testing will become more available in the coming weeks. Testing info NYC.
NY Health + Hospitals provides testing in 3 of its locations. Call 1-844-NYC-4NYC for more info
Please find more information on the NYS Health website.
This virus is spreading very quickly, too easily and is considered a global, international concern.
What To Do
Continue to wear masks in public. Carry hand sanitizer. Avoid touching surfaces and touching your face when you’re outside of your home. If you do have to touch anything, be sure to wash your hands and/or use sanitizer before and afterwards. Be cautious of group gatherings that are unmasked, crowded and/or prolonged. Be cautious of who you are being intimate with as well as activities or sports that required close contact. Avoid trying on or renting clothing. Using gloves out in public is a great idea - but train yourself to reduce touching surfaces and to avoid touching your face when using gloves. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, smokes. Goggles, glasses or face shields can also be useful and remind you to not touch your face —especially your eyes. Until there is more information I highly suggest trying to avoid things like bike shares, staying in hotels, spa services and contact sports. If you have to do those things -do your best disinfect what you can, maybe bring your own linens. Carrying disinfecting wipes is a great idea when using any public transportation or public facilities. Clothes that you’ve worn outside should be removed when you re-enter your home. Newly purchased clothing and linens should be laundered before being used. Get vaccinated if you are eligible and able to. The vaccine supply in NYS is limited. None of this is perfect but we can stay informed and safer this way. Track cases numbers in NYC here.
Vaccine Considerations
ACAM2000 is contraindicated for those with eczema, psoraisis and other skin conditions. It does shed viral components and can spread to other parts of the body and people. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breast feeding. Isolation after vaccination with ACAM2000 should be practiced. NYS is not pursing the use of ACAM2000. JYNNEOS is considered safe for those with skin conditions but there is insufficient data on its safety during pregnancy. It has not been evaluated on those breastfeeding or on young children. JYNNEOS is the vaccine being administered at this time in NYS. Please scroll to the bottom for more links.
Vaccination is currently open to those of the Queer community who are over 18 and have multiple partners and as of Sept 2 will be open to sex workers which also include those who engage in any type of transactional sex and survivor sex. Please find more info here.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Clinic Precautions
I will be removing sheets and fleece cushions at this time. This will allow me to disinfect the surfaces of treatment tables with more precision. Pillows are already protected with vinyl coverings and face cradles will have a cloth cover and disposable cover that will be changed out after each use, in addition to using exam table paper. Surfaces, doors and light switches will be wiped down after each patient. Air filters continue to run throughout the day. Though this might put me at risk to needle sticks, I will be utilizing gloves during needling and any time I have to touch skin. Gloves will be changed after each patient. Masks will be a consistent clinic staple until further notice. You will find masks, hand sanitizer and clorox wipes at the entry. Please do not flush the wipes down the toilet but do use them to disinfect the doors and toilet seats on your way to the restroom.
Do not come in for acupuncture if you have any new and unexplained rashes, blisters or skin bumps or have been in contact with someone who has them, or orthopoxvirus, have fever, swollen lymph nodes.
Any products being shipped directly from me will be disinfected with clorox wipes before being packaged and mailed.
Some Positive Things To Be Grounded In
Chinese Medicine is a great resource to have during epidemics. Historically, herbal formulas have been developed during such times as a public health measure. Because orthopox is very similar to small pox, so much so that the small pox vaccine is effective. Herbal formulas once used for small pox can be used and/or easily modified for this current out break. There are a multitude of herbs used to effectively treat lesions and sores that come from viral infections. As with any viral infection, please seek assistance sooner than later. I provide herbal consultations as telehealth appointments with existing/returning patients as well as those in the NY/NJ area. Please reach out if you would like a consultation regarding a recent orthopoxvirus exposure or the surfacing of early symptoms. Orthopoxvirus lesions start out as bumps or acne like rashes but can turn extremely severe within a week. It is important to seek help during the early stage. During severe stages secondary infections are likely and could require emergency/hospital medicine.
We have all been living with COVID19 for the past 2+ years, in which we have all mastered some way of taking precautions. I invite us, as a community to revisit all the precautions we took in the months of our 2020 lockdowns until we know more. I don’t want us to live in fear, but instead to be cautious, safe and informed.
If you think you have orthopoxvirus or have been exposed to it, contact your primary care provider. If you do not have a provider, the NYC Health site suggests that you use 311.
Links and Resources
EPA Disinfectants For Viral Pathogens
EPA More On Surface Disinfectants for Monkey Pox
DHS Master Question List for Monkey Pox
NYS Dept Health JYNNEOS Vaccine Info Sheet
Dr. Berry Pierre’s Monkey Pox Resources
ABC News: Possible Asymptomatic Spread
CNN: Vaccine Solution for Short Supply
Yahoo Lifestyle: What It’s Like To Have Monkey Pox
TIME: What Having Monkey Pox Feels Like
CNA: Patients Share Their Stories
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM, L.Ac. August 1, 2022
This page will be updated as new information is collected. Please be advised that some information right now is still only anecdotal as data is currently being collected during a time where things are evolving rapidly. Anecdotal information, is helpful in these initial stages but it also requires context, critical thinking and the understanding that new information will come.
Cover image credits by Los Muertos Crew