Monkeypox: What parents need to know to keep children safe

Although cases remain low, monkeypox has already affected children in many communities from New York City to Seattle and in between.

There are currently only 17,000 cases of monkeypox in the US, mostly in adults. Although no deaths have yet been recorded, there is some evidence that an early strain of the virus is more likely to be serious in children under the age of 8, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, especially with immunological conditions or certain conditions. In people with skin conditions, such as eczema.

As the school bell rings for kids to call back to class for a fall, it’s important for parents to know everything they can about protecting their kids from a painful illness.

What does monkeypox look like in children?

According to the CDC, the symptoms of monkeypox in children are the same as in adults.

It will most likely start with a physical rash that may resemble signs of an allergic reaction, chickenpox, or hand, foot, and mouth disease.

The rash quickly becomes sores, which over the course of two to four weeks turn into blisters, pustules, then scabs. Meanwhile, patients are also likely to have fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and headache.

The risk of contracting the virus in children and adolescents remains low as some of them have been hurried for treatment and quarantine in some of the known cases. In addition, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infections in American children and adolescents have so far been mild.

How is monkeypox spread in children?

Monkeypox is spread to children and adolescents in the same way it does to adults: through close personal contact. For children, this can mean a skin-to-skin-to-skin hug, along with an infectious rash; or swapping sputum, such as by kissing or talking very closely, with a sick patient.

The CDC also notes that the virus is spread through contaminated objects or surfaces, including clothing, towels, and linens, that were used by someone with the virus.

It is not known whether children are more likely to get monkeypox than adults or whether the virus will affect them in the same way.

What should you do if a child gets monkeypox?

Unlike COVID-19 and other infections, people exposed to the virus will not need to be isolated. However, during surveillance, the Department of Health may limit their participation in activities if investigators are unable to determine where or with whom the first exposure occurred, or if the exposure setting presents a particularly high risk. They will also consider the child’s age and ability to recognize or communicate symptoms and risk to others.

Infants are advised to stay in a separate room and not be in contact with parents or caregivers who are infected or may have been exposed to monkeypox.

If your child comes into contact with someone who has monkeypox, he or she should be closely observed for 21 days. If symptoms arise, they should isolate from peers and wear masks.

On a case-by-case basis, vaccination and prophylactic antiviral treatment may be available for children who are suspected of being exposed.

The CDC recommends that anyone — children and adults — with a known case of monkeypox should be isolated until all the scabs from the rash have fallen off, which can take up to 4 weeks after symptoms begin.

Can children be vaccinated against monkeypox?

At the moment, most children are not eligible for the monkeypox vaccine – unless they have been directly exposed to the virus. If you suspect that your child is at risk of contracting the disease at home, school, or elsewhere, check with your doctor or local health department to learn about the options available in your area.

Is monkeypox fatal to children?

So far, there have not been any deaths related to monkeypox in adults or children. However, the disease can be excruciating and may persist for the better part of a month, so it is nothing to be taken lightly.