MPOX | Yolo County

What is MPOX?

Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Mpox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, mpox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all mpox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals

What are the symptoms?

Mpox might start with symptoms like the flu,

fever
low energy
swollen lymph nodes
general body aches
1 to 3 days(sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores

The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, and face. They may also be limited to one part of the body. People with mpox may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most with mpox will develop a rash or sores. Some people have reported developing a rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms.

How is it transmitted?

Mpox spreads in a few ways:

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with mpox.
Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:

Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with mpox.
Hugging, massage, and kissing.
Prolonged face-to-face contact.
Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with mpox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Who is at risk of MPOX?

How many cases of MPOX are there in Yolo County?

What should I do if I think I might have MPOX?

If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms, seek medical care for further testing and evaluation. If you do not have a healthcare provider or health insurance, care may be available at CommuniCare Health Centers, Winters Healthcare, Elica Health Centers, Community Medical Centers, or North Valley Indian Health. Limit your contact with others while awaiting medical care and test results.

Is there a vaccine for MPOX?

Vaccination helps to protect against mpox when given before or shortly after an exposure. JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are two mpox vaccines currently available in the United States. Yolo County Public Health has received an ample supply of JYNNEOS and has shared these doses with local healthcare providers. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine series given 28 days or more apart. A person is considered to be fully protected against mpox 2 weeks after their 2^nd dose. You can read more about the JYNNEOS vaccine on the CDC website.

While there is currently adequate vaccine supply, there are no longer "eligibility" criteria, and vaccine providers can offer vaccine to any patients who MAY be at risk, and persons who request vaccination should receive it without having to attest to specific risk factors.

Is there a treatment for MPOX?

Where can I get more information?

Information for Healthcare Providers