Good afternoon docs,

Welcome back to the Forum.  In the two months since your last post, much has changed.  We are still learning about monkeypox but the emerging data are that this virus can be spread by what would otherwise be consider safe encounters such as cuddling or receipt of masturbation.  In addition, while the "classic" monkeypox described early in the current epidemic was characterized by flu-like symptoms such as fevers and muscle aches, even before lesions appeared, more recently it has become appreciated that the infection can occur and be transmitted by persons with mild or even no symptoms other than skin lesions.   Further, we are learning that monkeypos lesions can appear in a variety of ways.  I cannot tell from your description, nor could I tell from direct examination whether the lesions you describe are monkeypx or not.  Statistically they are not because, while the infection is spreading and increasing in the U.S., it is still relatively rare.  My advice to you is to have someone knowledgeable take a look and do a test.  Testing is now widely available through public health sexual health clinics and results should come back quickly.---

Dr hook,

Most persons with monkeypox have multiple lesions.  Unfortunately not al appear pox-like but, I think your risk is low.  Should new lesions appear, I'd then pursue testing.  As I said, we're still learning about this infection and there certainly is much to be learned.  EWH---

With regards to the testing, I’d need some kind of a lesion to test correct? There’s no blood test currently for this is there? I’m so anxious and worried over this now. You don’t think the sore throat would have anything to do with it though doc? What would you guess my chances of contracting this in the way I describe are? Most everything I’ve read said that the people who contracted it had penetrative sex. 

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's questions. This is my 3rd response.---