There’s a new virus on everyone’s radar just as parents, teachers and kids get ready for a new school year.
Monkeypox was first detected among adults in the U.S. Now, at least five children have been diagnosed, and CNN reports that an Illinois day care worker may have exposed their classroom to the virus. With these new developments, parents, caregivers and those who work with kids may be wondering how much to worry about the threat of yet another contagious illness.
“Presently, monkeypox has a low spread rate and mortality rate and is considered to be low risk in the U.S.,” says Dr. Kirsten Anderson, the clinical lead for the Aetna Infectious Disease Advisory Team. “It’s important to note that only symptomatic people can spread the virus. Because of this, it’s essential that we all follow doctors’, local public health or school health department’s guidance to keep everyone safe.”
“It’s essential that we all follow doctors’, local public health or school health department’s guidance to keep everyone safe.”
— DR. KIRSTEN ANDERSON, CLINICAL LEAD
Knowing up-to-date information about monkeypox is among the first steps to protecting yourself and the kids in your care. Here’s what experts say parents and caregivers need to know.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus that can cause a painful skin rash, as well as flu-like symptoms. It was first detected in the 1950s, but the current outbreak is the largest and most widespread on record. The U.S. has recorded nearly 9,000 cases so far, and there are more than 30,000 recorded cases worldwide. Last week, President Biden declared monkeypox a public health emergency.
How is monkeypox spread?
“Monkeypox is spread most often and most efficiently by physical contact or household interaction with a person who has symptoms of monkeypox,” says Dr. Susan Hassig, a professor within the epidemiology department at Tulane University’s School of Public Health.
“Monkeypox is spread most often and most efficiently by physical contact or household interaction with a person who has symptoms of monkeypox.”
— DR. SUSAN HASSIG, PROFESSOR IN EPIDEMIOLOGY
Examples of close physical contact can include:
- Touching objects, fabrics or surfaces used by someone with monkeypox.
- Hugging or kissing an infected person.
- Contact with respiratory fluids from an infected person.
- Prolonged skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with an infected person.
- Contact with bodily fluids or scabs from an infected person.
Are schools and day cares at an increased risk?
Given the methods of transmission, a school or day care classroom may seem like an especially well-suited environment for viral spread. However, Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Nashville Pediatric Infectious Disease, says cleaning and preventing close contact between infected people can prevent transmission.
“Monkeypox can live on surfaces similar to other viruses. It is most commonly spread through close contact of someone who has monkeypox,” he explains. “Routine cleaning of classroom and day care settings should be considered adequate.”
What are the monkeypox symptoms in kids?
The most common symptom of monkeypox is a pimple or blister-like rash that can appear on any part of the body. “The rash can develop before or even a few days after the onset of flu-like symptoms,” Anderson says. “It’s also possible for infected people to only have a rash and no other symptoms.”
In addition to the rash, other common symptoms of monkeypox include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle aches.
- Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion, sore throat or cough.
“Symptoms typically emerge within three weeks of contact with the monkeypox virus,” Anderson adds. “Parents should keep an eye out for any new rashes or flu-like symptoms.”
“Parents should keep an eye out for any new rashes or flu-like symptoms.”
— DR. KIRSTEN ANDERSON, CLINICAL LEAD
What should you do if you or a child in your care is exposed to monkeypox?
If you or a child in your care have been exposed to monkeypox, the first thing you should do is contact a doctor. Anderson says the most recent data indicates monkeypox can be transmitted as soon as symptoms begin, and a person can be contagious the entire time they are symptomatic.
“Isolation for this full period, which can be two to four weeks, is recommended,” Anderson says. “It will be important to inform and receive the latest information from your doctor and your local school and public health departments regarding any specific quarantine needs.”
Within a household, Hassig adds that anyone infected with monkeypox should be kept physically separated from others as much as possible. To help prevent household transmission:
- Launder infected bedding, towels, clothing and other linens on high heat to disinfect them.
- Wear gloves while caring for infected kids or adults.
- Sanitize hands frequently.
- Infected persons and caregivers should wear masks if respiratory symptoms are present.
Is monkeypox dangerous for kids?
“At this point, we don’t know whether children are more at risk for monkeypox than adults, or whether children have different outcomes after being infected,” Anderson says.
She adds that monkeypox may be more severe for children and adolescents who are:
- Younger than 8 years old.
- Immunocompromised.
- Have active exfoliative skin conditions, like eczema or severe acne.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 99% of people who get monkeypox are likely to survive, though certain strains do have higher rates of severe illness and death. While children are likely to recover from monkeypox, Hassig notes that the virus can be painful and tricky to contain.
“Monkeypox can be painful for anyone, and the risk of spreading the infection on their own bodies is a particular concern with children,” Hassig says. “For example, a rash on the arm, if picked, could transfer virus to the eyes, which could endanger vision. If a child or adult develops monkeypox, covering the rash with bandages or clothing can help reduce this risk.”
Can kids be vaccinated against monkeypox?
Currently, there is no recommended monkeypox vaccine for kids.
A vaccine exists, but the CDC only recommends it for people 18 years and older who’ve been exposed to monkeypox or who have a higher than average risk of exposure. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the vaccine may be recommended for certain kids under 18 who’ve been exposed to monkeypox, but emergency use authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis.
How can I protect kids from monkeypox?
Right now, prevention is the best way to deal with monkeypox, the experts say. To protect yourself and the kids in your care, they advise:
- Cleaning hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol.
- Sanitizing surfaces, especially in high-traffic and/or public areas.
- Avoiding contact with others who may be ill.
- Familiarizing yourself with the appearance of the monkeypox rash and monitoring your household.
- Staying home from school or day care if you notice a new rash or symptoms.
