When a disease is all over the news, parents worry. It’s natural to have questions and concerns about monkeypox as we hear more about it spreading.

Here are the basics on what monkeypox is and what to look for according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

What is monkeypox?

No, monkeypox doesn’t come from being around monkeys. Monkeypox is a disease that is caused by a viral infection. So someone will get the virus from another person or animal, and then get monkeypox. While the original cause of monkeypox is unknown, it’s believed that rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) can have the virus and infect humans. It’s called monkeypox because it was first discovered in monkeys in the 1950s.

Monkeypox is rarely deadly. More than 99 percent of people who get monkeypox survive and it’s typically a mild illness. However, like many other diseases, those who are immunocompromised are more likely to have a severe reaction to the disease.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

People with monkeypox are typically sick for two to four weeks. Many people get a rash first, followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and possibly on hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.

Along with the rash, lesions can form and they go through stages. They start as flat, discolored areas, then turn to bumps. Those bumps then become fluid-filled, and eventually fill with pus. Lastly, the lesions will scab over and heal.

How can you protect yourself or your children from monkeypox?

Monkeypox primarily spreads through contact with the rash or body fluids of someone who is infected. People who do not have symptoms of monkeypox cannot spread it to others.

According to the CDC, the risk to the public is still very low. As long as those who have symptoms isolate and follow doctor’s recommendations, that risk can stay low.

Because the monkeypox virus is similar to the smallpox virus, the smallpox vaccine is effective against monkeypox infection.

If you’re still concerned, you can rely on some of the precautions — try to stay at least six feet away from those you don’t know and it’s always a good idea to wash hands thoroughly and often!