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.
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:
Guidance for Medical Providers:
Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can be transmitted from person to person through:
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.
Mpox symptoms can vary, but commonly include the following:
Detailed Rash Information:
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.
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):
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5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74126
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