State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is urging Illinoisans to practice personal health and hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus (MPV). “The Illinois Department of Public Health provides easy ways to prevent MPV infection and keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy,” said Hernandez. “IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that washing your hands, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and avoiding skin-to-skin contact are effective methods to reduce the spread of MPV and other illnesses. I encourage everyone to work these common sense precautions into their daily routine.” MPV is a viral infection characterized by rash that begins on the face and can spread to other parts of the body, according to IDPH. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A person is infectious at the moment any of these symptoms begin to appear. Those experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider, isolate, wear a mask and cover lesions to protect others. To learn more about MPV, please contact your healthcare provider or visit https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/monkeypox.html.