Can Fleas Have Monkeypox?
WouterIf you have ever wondered if fleas can have monkeypox, you’re not alone. The CDC keeps a close eye on the spread of monkeypox. While the disease isn’t a huge threat to humans, some communities have been affected by recent outbreaks. In the U.S., monkeypox has been reported in dogs and cats, as well as humans.
In the United States, there are only a handful of reported cases. Typically, these cases come from traveling abroad or from areas where rodents are prevalent. The virus is transmitted to humans by inhaling flea feces. Symptoms can appear in as little as two weeks after infection and usually respond to antibiotics.
The biggest risk of monkeypox transmission is through close contact with an infected person, so it’s best to limit contact with your pet. Infected individuals should stay away from pets and keep their skin clean. Also, be sure to keep monkeypox-infected areas covered.
The symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within two to four weeks after contact, but you may not notice any symptoms for the first week. The rash may appear as a red, itchy rash. Symptoms of monkeypox may range from a mild to severe one. However, in most cases, it will heal within a few weeks.
Vaccination against monkeypox is available through your local health department. The vaccine, originally created to protect against smallpox, is effective against monkeypox if given promptly after exposure. Texas has been allocated a small amount of the JYNNEOS vaccine to combat the disease. The vaccine requires two doses and must be given at least 28 days apart.
