What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is in the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox causes milder illness than smallpox, but some symptoms can be severe. The monkeypox virus can spread from animals to people and from person to person.
In 2022, a monkeypox outbreak began. There are cases in many countries or areas where this infection is not usually found, including in the U.S. and in Virginia.
To control the spread, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) works with people infected with monkeypox to identify close contacts who might have been exposed and environments where infected people spent time while they were contagious. These could include locations like hotels or other similar accommodations. If your business is identified in this process, VDH staff will work with you to ensure that measures are in place to keep staff and customers safe.
Learn more about monkeypox by visiting the VDH Monkeypox webpage.
Monkeypox Information for Congregate Settings (including overnight lodging facilities)
Visit the Congregate Settings webpage for more information and resources, including:
Hospitality Industry Information and Resources:
(e.g., hotels, motels, other lodging accommodations)
- Monkeypox Training Resources for Cleaning and Disinfecting Rooms in Hotels, Motels, or Other Overnight Lodging (VDH)
- Monkeypox Control Recommendations for the Hospitality and Lodging Industry (VDH)
- Monkeypox Checklist for Cleaning and Disinfecting Rooms in Hotels, Motels, or Other Overnight Lodging (VDH)
- Information for the Hospitality Industry (VDH) *