Patients who call a clinic to inquire about MonkeyPox evaluation of a suspected rash or to be tested should be referred to your local or state Health Department. Please ensure clinic and phone receptionists and clinical support personnel are aware of this protocol.
Patients may present to the clinic who were not concerned or worrying about MonkeyPox, but for whom the diagnosis is considered by the Dermatology provider. In these cases, the clinician can perform or request whatever testing (e.g. herpes viral culture) or treatment they recommend, but should also refer the patient to the Health Department to rule out MonkeyPox and to abide by the CDC guidance for reportable diseases.
Finally, to reiterate MonkeyPox is very rarely transmitted in the healthcare setting and primarily is spread by direct contact with the skin lesions and less by droplet spread. To date, 95% of cases seem to have been sexually transmitted. Unlike COVID-19, aerosol transmission is not the primary risk and standard PPE consisting of masks, eye protection, and gloves should suffice for protection. Patients with widespread eruptions for whom one is performing more significant physical examination, a gown is recommended but this is most applicable in a hospital setting with acutely ill patients.
