Innovative Care Opens More Appointments for Monkeypox Testing as Cases Climb

Innovative Care is testing 4-5 patients per day on average as cases of monkeypox in the Chicago continue to climb. Our urgent care has confirmed 15 monkeypox cases to date, which is about 8 percent of the total cases in Illinois thus far. 

How does monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox is spread through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or bodily fluids of an infected person. Per the CDC, some of the ways in which it spreads include:

• respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. 

Monkeypox exposure

It is important to monitor for symptoms if you have been exposed to monkeypox. Per the CDC, Monkeypox illness begins with the following:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle Aches
• Backache
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Approximately 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever, the patient develops a rash. This rash commonly begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. Lesions then progress through various stages before they fall off. Monkeypox illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.

Monkeypox evaluation and testing

Innovative Care offers monkeypox testing 7 days a week. Appointments can be scheduled online. 

Our team of urgent care providers will evaluate your symptoms, examine you for rash or lesions and if clinically warranted, test for monkeypox illness. Schedule an evaluation on our website. 

Is there a treatment for monkeypox? 

There is a monkeypox vaccine, however it is not widely available. At this time, it is primarily being used to prevent monkeypox infection in people who have had close contact with a confirmed monkeypox case. Innovative Care does not have the monkeypox vaccine, but we can request an appointment for you through CDPH if you qualify. 

Patients with confirmed monkeypox illness and symptoms should refrain from close intimate contact and sexual activity with others until symptoms (including rash/lesions) have completely resolved, which is typically between 2-4 weeks.