Monkeypox virus can infect anyone, including children and adolescents. Currently, the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents is low. It is typically spread through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact, with someone who has monkeypox, which may include, but is not limited to sexual activity. Although less common, monkeypox may also spread by touching contaminated objects (such as toys or eating utensils), fabrics (clothing, bedding, sleeping mats, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.

Children, staff, and volunteers in schools and child care centers should follow their everyday operational guidance to reduce the transmission of any infectious disease.

Preventive measures include:

• Stay home when sick
• Access to adequate handwashing supplies, including soap and water
• Maintain routine cleaning and disinfection practices
• Identify private spaces for assessment of an ill child away from others
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff who care for students with infectious diseases
• Follow illness exclusion policies

If there is a monkeypox exposure in the school or child care program:

• Children, staff, and volunteers who are well do not need to be excluded from school or child care programs in most cases
• The health department will be notified to assist with appropriate actions to prevent the spread of the virus (contact tracing, evaluating exposure risks)
• Exposed individuals should monitor for Monkeypox Signs and Symptoms for 21 days after the exposure

If a child or adolescent is exposed to monkeypox at home or in the community, the health department and school or child care program should be notified.

If a child or adolescent develops symptoms while in a school, child care program or other setting, the child should be:

• Seperated from others in a private space
• Wear a well-fitting mask (if over 2 years old)
• Picked up by a parent/caregiver
• Evaluated by a medical professional (several illnesses can cause a rash and fever in children)
• Isolated to prevent the spread (If You are Sick with Monkeypox)

Monkeypox FAQ's for Schools, Early Care and Education Programs (Source: CDC)
What You Need to Know about Monkeypox if You are a Teen or Young Adult (Source: CDC)