WCHD is updating web pages with the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the recent World Health Organization decision and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To make an appointment: Call 240-313-3210
Vaccine- The JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended for people age 18 or older who are at high risk for mpox infection.
Doses- Two-dose vaccine. You should receive the second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
Side effects- Side effects are usually mild. Most people have redness, swelling, and pain where they got the shot. Tiredness, headache, and muscle pain can also occur after vaccination.
Mpox is a rare but serious illness caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox can infect humans and other animals, such as monkeys and rodents. It typically involves flu-like symptoms and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid and then scab over. Mpox can be confused with infections like syphilis, herpes, or chickenpox. The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks. Individuals are infectious until they no longer have a rash. The health department will work with individuals to determine when they are no longer infectious.
Symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks after infection. This can range from 5-21 days. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. The mpox rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Sometimes people get a rash first or only develop a rash and no other symptoms. Some individuals in the current US outbreak have experienced rashes only in the genital region or other body parts.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you start experiencing symptoms, the most important step you can take is to stay home and isolate yourself from other people in your household. Be alert for the appearance of new rashes characterized by sores, bumps, or fluid-filled bumps, and seek medical evaluation if you develop such a rash. Before your visit, notify your healthcare provider that you are concerned about mpox, and whether you recently had close contact with a person who had a similar rash or a person who has been diagnosed with mpox.
Mpox is spread in different ways:
Mpox is not limited to any sexual orientation or group of people. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has Mpox is at risk.
Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox