Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and Mpox is rarely fatal. It is not related to chickenpox.

Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has Mpox is at risk.

At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current Mpox cases.

According to the CDC, people with Mpox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. It can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of Mpox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
   

Mpox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Mpox is transmitted person-to-person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. This often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact (such as kissing, cuddling or sex).

Those who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has Mpox is at risk.

Take the following three steps to prevent getting Mpox:

1. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
   1. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
   2. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
   3. Do not wear contacts or touch eyes while sick with mpox.
2. Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
   1. Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
   2. Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
3. Wash your hands often.
   1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
       

There are no treatments specifically for mpox virus infections. However, mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections.

Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.

According to the CDC, infected animals can spread Mpox virus to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread Mpox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas and sharing food.

People with Mpox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus.

Learn more here.

Mpox testing is by appointment only. If you would like to be tested for the virus, please call ahead to 919-212-9398 to be scheduled.

You can also check with your healthcare provider for testing.

Vaccines are available in limited supply, at no cost, for individuals with known or suspected exposure to Mpox. This includes:

• People who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with mpox in the last 14 days (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP)
• Men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who report any of the following in the last 90 days:
  • Having multiple or anonymous sex partners
  • Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
  • Receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
     

Residents who have been exposed to someone who has had mpox, or who feel they are eligible to receive the vaccine can:

Call our Mpox call center at 919-212-9398, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Wake County Public Health has begun administering the vaccine by intradermal injection in our clinics. Administering the vaccine in this way will increase supply available for use by up to five-fold. The intradermal injection is equally as effective as the subcutaneous injection, which is the way the shot has been administered to this point.

These shots are much shallower than normal vaccine shots. The patient’s skin is held taut, and the needle is inserted into the dermis at an angle ranging from 5 to 15 degrees. Most patients report feeling a slight pinch. There is normally a small welt on the skin that will disappear within days.

Most routine vaccines are given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Intradermal injections deliver vaccine or medication to the dermis – the topmost layer of the skin. This type of injection is commonly used to test for tuberculosis and allergies.

According to the FDA, side effects were similar in both people who received subcutaneous vaccination and those who were vaccinated intradermally, and none of the reported side effects were severe.

As with any injection, you may feel a slight pinch during the injection process. This technique is not any more painful than a regular injection.

The dosage may be given interchangeably, meaning you can receive a 0.5mL dose subcutaneously and your second dose 0.1mL intradermally with the same benefits and immunity.

Yes, you are not fully protected from the Mpox virus until two weeks after your second dose.

Your second dose must be a minimum of 28 days from your first dose and up to 35 days. If there is a delay in administering the second dose and the interval becomes longer than 35 days, you should schedule your second dose as soon as possible. You will not need to restart the series.

Yes, if the person meets the criteria they can receive the vaccine.

Anyone under the age of 18 requesting the vaccine will need to have a parent/guardian authorized to make a medical decision for them either present at the appointment or are required to sign an a consent/attestation form. The form can be found here: ENGLISH | SPANISH 

If you have questions, you can call our Mpox call center at 919-212-9398, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.