
Monkeypox Signs & Testing
Prevent the spread of Monkeypox
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Know the symptoms of monkeypox and when to contact a healthcare professional.
Monkeypox Testing Basics
We will be testing for the two different variants of the Monkeypox virus.
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Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus)
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Monkeypox (Orthopoxvirus) Congo Basin Clade
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When to Get Tested
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Currently, testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with monkeypox.
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If you think you have monkeypox or have had close personal contact with someone who has monkeypox, consider taking precautions and visiting a healthcare provider to help you decide if you need to be tested for monkeypox.
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What to Expect When You Get Tested​
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To get a specimen to test, the healthcare provider will use a swab to rub vigorously across the lesions of your rash. They will take swabs from more than one lesion.
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This swabbing may be uncomfortable but is necessary to get enough material to detect the monkeypox virus from the specimens.
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The specimens will be tested in a lab to see if the monkeypox virus is detected.
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Results will be available the next day (24 hours) from sample collection.
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While waiting for your results, take precautions to avoid getting or spreading the monkeypox virus to others.
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What Your Results Mean
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If your test result is positive, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others until you have entirely recovered from your infection.
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If your test result is negative: a negative test result means the test did not detect the virus, and you probably do not have monkeypox. Continue to take steps to protect yourself and others.
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If your test result is inconclusive, your test will need to be conducted again because not enough of the specimen was taken.