Information about MPox
Leigh Rowley
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a rare viral disease not often seen in the United States. Anyone can get mpox. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but the disease can be serious, especially for children and people who are immune compromised or pregnant.
How to identify
It can be easy to miss mpox or mistake it for herpes, syphilis, folliculitis or an abscess.
Early symptoms
· Fever.
· Malaise.
· Headache.
· Weakness.
· Swollen lymph nodes.
Lesions
· Are well circumscribed, deep seated and often develop umbilication (dot on the top of the lesion).
· Can be extremely painful.
· Appear after fever.
Lesions tend to appear and develop at the same time on an affected area of the body—like pustules on face or vesicles on legs. They progress through 4 stages—macular, papular, vesicular and pustular—before they scab and heal in 1–2 weeks.
Transmission
Mpox mostly spreads through close, physical contact, and is far less likely to be spread in the air. The virus spreads through contact with:
· Mpox rash, sores or scabs.
· Objects, fabrics or surfaces a person with monkeypox used.
· Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from a person with monkeypox.
Mpox can spread as soon as symptoms start until all sores heal and a fresh layer of skin forms. This can be several weeks.
Testing
Clinical testing available commercially; check with performing lab on available tests for mpox virus. Grays Harbor County Public Health can also arrange for testing for cases at Public Health Lab.
Immediately report suspected monkeypox cases.
Call (360) 532-8631 and ask for a communicable disease nurse.
Our after-hours phone number is (360) 581-1401.
Stay updated.
Sign up for email alerts by going to our Provider Resources page: graysharbor.providerresourceswa.org