Monkeypox: Patient Information
04
Jul
2022
- You must self-isolate immediately from the day your symptoms start. This means stay home. If you live with other people, isolate in your own room and use a separate bathroom if possible. Do not have visitors to your home unless it is an essential visit.
- You should remain in isolation i.e. avoid contact with unaffected individuals until the rash has healed and scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed or your test results show that you do not have monkeypox.
- Cover lesions with bandages/dressings or clothing (e.g. long sleeves or pants). If you need to be around others a surgical mask should be worn in addition to covering all lesions.
- Do not leave your home unless you are seeking medical care. Tell your healthcare provider of your monkeypox status before your appointment. If possible, avoid public transportation. If this is not possible, cover all lesions and wear a medical mask. Keep windows open if you are travelling in a vehicle.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing bandages and dressings.
- Avoid sharing household items including dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding.
- Items should be washed with soap or detergent in warm water after use. No special soap is needed.
- Dishwashers and washing machines can be used.
- Avoid contact with household pets if possible, as well as contact with wild animals.
- More information, including details about the topics below, will be provided by TPH when they follow up with a suspect/confirmed monkeypox case:
- Disposal of contaminated materials
- How to wash laundry
- What to tell people you have been in contact with
- When to return to work/activities, including if you work in a high-risk setting