MPOX

Mpox is a rare illness that causes rash, chills, and fever. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.

What is mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as “monkeypox”) is a reportable disease in Oklahoma, classified under Orthopox viruses. It is specifically caused by the mpox virus, and it is characterized by a distinctive rash that can appear as pimples or blisters. These can be located on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.

For the most current information and guidelines, medical providers and the public are encouraged to consult the CDC and local health department resources. Early detection and appropriate response are crucial in preventing the spread of mpox.

Key Points About Mpox:

Prevention: The virus that causes mpox is related to the smallpox virus. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed for protection against both diseases, with the second dose administered four weeks after the first for optimal immunity.
Symptoms: Mpox symptoms often resemble those of the flu and include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash typically accompanies these symptoms and resolves within 2-4 weeks.
Severity: While mpox infections are generally not severe, they can be more serious in individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women.
Risk Level: The general population is currently at low risk for contracting mpox. However, outbreaks can occur, particularly in areas where the virus is endemic or among close contacts of infected individuals.

Guidance for Medical Providers:

Alertness: Healthcare providers should be vigilant for patients presenting with a rash that resembles mpox.
Action Steps: Follow CDC guidelines for infection control, testing, and reporting. This includes isolating suspected cases, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and notifying public health authorities promptly.
Prevention: Promotion of mpox vaccine (2-dose schedule) if considered at-risk. Educate patients about the importance of avoiding close contact with infected individuals and animals, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical advice if symptoms develop. Vaccination is crucial in preventing the spread of mpox. Even after vaccination, individuals should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone infected with mpox.

HOW IS MPOX SPREAD?

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can be transmitted from person to person through:

Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face interactions or intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex
Touching contaminated items (such as clothing or linens) that have come into contact with the infectious rash or body fluids
Pregnant individuals can transmit the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can contract and spread mpox. Currently, a large proportion of the known mpox cases are among men who have sex with men.

Traveling to a country currently experiencing an outbreak could increase your risk of contracting mpox. Mpox virus can spread to anyone through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have not been disinfected after use by someone with mpox. This includes items like clothing, bedding, towels, fetish gear or sex toys. Currently, a significant proportion of known mpox cases are among men who have sex with men. Traveling to a country experiencing an outbreak can increase your risk of contracting mpox. If you plan to travel internationally, check the infection rates on the WHO website.

Consult your doctor about getting a mpox vaccination before traveling or if you have been exposed.

When Can a Person Spread Mpox?

From the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Some people can spread mpox to others from 1 to 4 days before they have symptoms.

Currently, there is no evidence that suggests that people who have never had symptoms can spread the virus to someone else. CDC is monitoring the latest information about how mpox spreads.

SYMPTOMS

Mpox symptoms can vary, but commonly include the following:

Fever
Headache
Muscle Aches and Backache
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
Rash: This rash can resemble pimples or blisters and may appear on various parts of the body, including the face, inside the mouth, and on the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

Detailed Rash Information:

The rash goes through several stages before healing completely, typically forming pustules and scabs.
The rash may initially appear as flat, red spots that then become raised and filled with fluid.
Eventually, the pustules will crust over and fall off.
The entire illness usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks.
Some individuals may develop a rash first, followed by other symptoms, while others may experience only a rash without other accompanying symptoms.

What to do if you have symptoms or have been exposed

Watch for symptoms of mpox for 21 days from the date of your last exposure. The incubation period is the time from infection to symptom onset and it is usually 5 to 21 days.
If you are concerned about having mpox symptoms or exposure, please contact the THD Epi Line at 918-595-4399 or your healthcare provider for advice, testing, and medical care.
Recommendations for testing and/or vaccination should be provided based on the screening and assessment by a clinician. If symptoms develop, self-isolate away from others to protect them from infection. Stay away from other people and avoid sharing things you have used or touched until you see a healthcare provider. Before you travel for examination, cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, or bandages, wear a mask, and let them know you may have been exposed to mpox.

Remember: People infected with mpox can get a rash on any part of the body. Sometimes people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing and becoming non-contagious.

Mpox Vaccine

The Jynneos vaccine is a two-dose series administered 28 days apart to individuals who meet the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP):

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people who in the past 6 months have had one of the following:
- A new diagnosis of 1 or more sexually transmitted infection
- More than one sex partner
- Sex at a commercial sex venue
- Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
Sexual partners of people with the risks described above
People who anticipate experiencing any of the above

Click below to schedule an appointment at the following Tulsa Health Department locations: