Monkeypox is treated primarily with supportive care aimed at alleviating symptoms and treating complications. This may include antiviral medications, such as cidofovir, or antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.
It is also important to take measures to reduce the spread of virus to others, such as isolating patients and disinfecting the environment and objects used around the patient. Additionally, the smallpox vaccine has been found to be some protection against monkeypox, and so in some areas, those who are likely to be in contact with the virus may be vaccinated.