Mpox

 

 

 

 

What is mpox?

Mpox is a contagious disease and is caused by the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder and rarely fatal.

Anyone can get mpox. An individual can get the virus when they come into contact with the sores, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person.

More information on mpox:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

5 Things to know About Mpox

 

Symptoms of Mpox include:

          

  • Rash with blisters on face, hands, feet, body, eyes, mouth or genitals
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue or low energy

 

Prevention

Mpox virus can spread from person-to-person through close, intimate contact. If you are pregnant, you can possibly pass on the virus to your unborn child.

To prevent getting mpox:

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact (like kissing, hugging, cuddling or having sex) with someone who has a rash or scabs that may possibly be caused by mpox.
  • Do not share or touch potentially contaminated items such as eating utensils, cups, bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you are sick with mpox, stay at home. If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with.

 

Testing

If you have any of the symptoms listed above and believe you may have mpox, contact your primary care provider or a health worker for advice. Get tested if possible.

Testing is available in Erie County. Call 814-451-6700.

 

Treatment

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.

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. For more information about treatments, contact your primary care provider or a health worker for advice.

 

TPOXX information for healthcare practitioners
For questions about protocol, contact the Erie County Department of Health at 814-636-7351 or ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov.

 

Other resources: