Mpox

In the United States, cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) have declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the United States and internationally.  Mpox is a disease caused by a virus and it’s primarily spread through close, skin to skin contact with someone who has a mpox rash. It can also be spread by contact with fabrics, objects or surfaces that have been used by someone who has the virus and by contact with respiratory secretions through face-to-face contact, like kissing. 

Reported Cases in Lancaster County – 3

For state, national and global case counts, go to cdc.gov/mpox

It’s important to be aware that this virus has been identified in our area and we could see additional cases. The Health Department recommends that anyone who has an unexplained rash or other mpox symptoms contact their healthcare provider to be evaluated.

Video: 5 Things to know about Mpox

Mpox vaccine is recommended for people who have been exposed to mpox and those who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. If you would like to receive vaccine, please fill out the vaccine form below. The health department will use the information provided to determine your current eligibility to receive vaccine. All information is confidential. If you’re eligible, we’ll contact you to schedule a vaccination appointment.  If you’re not eligible at this time, you will receive a response by email.

Vaccine Form

Symptoms

• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Find pictures of mpox rash at  https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/symptoms/index.html
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches or backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. This process can take several weeks.

Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who is infected is at risk.

Testing

People who believe they were exposed to mpox or think they have symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated and tested if needed.

Prevention

There are steps people can take to help prevent the spread of mpox:

• Avoid skin to skin contact with someone who has a rash that looks like mpox.
• Avoid contact with any materials, like bedding or towels, used by a person with mpox.
• Wash hands often with soap and water often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the bathroom.

Vaccines/Medications

There is no specific treatment for mpox but some antiviral medications have been used effectively. Vaccination is recommended for people who have been exposed to mpox and those who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. The health department has received a limited amount of JYNNEOS vaccine – a two-dose series with the second dose given 28 days after the first dose.  If you would like to receive vaccine, please fill out this vaccine form. The health department will use the information provided to determine your current eligibility to receive vaccine. All information is confidential. If you’re eligible, we’ll contact you to schedule a vaccination appointment.  If you’re not eligible at this time, you will receive a response by email.

Additional Resources

More information on mpox – https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html 

Information for healthcare providers - https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/index.html

Disinfecting home/other non-healthcare settings -  https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/if-sick/cleaning-disinfecting.html

If you have more questions about mpox, please contact LLCHD’s Communicable Disease Program at 402-441-8053.