Mpox

Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the Mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox) and cowpox virus. 

Mpox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name "Monkeypox."  The first human case of MPX was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.

In humans, the symptoms of Mpox are similar to, but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.  The main difference between symptoms of Mpox and smallpox is that Mpox causes lymph nodes to swell while smallpox does not. Mpox illness starts with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches  
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustions 

Within 1 to 3 days after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules
• Papules
• Vesicles
• Pustules
• Scabs

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

• The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for Mpox is usually 7 to 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. 
• Infection with Mpox virus begins with an incubation period. A person is not contagious during this period; they do not have symptoms and may feel fine.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) MPX Guidance for Isolation:   

• CDPH MPX Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public (8/18/2022)
• CDPH MPX Infection Control Guidance for Clients in Congregate Shelters, Including Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness (8/22/2022)

• Immunocompromised individuals.
• Pediatric populations, particularly patients younger than 8 years of age.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• People with a history or presence of atopic dermatitis and people with other active skin conditions such as eczema, burns, impetigo, and varicella zoster virus infection.

• Avoid contact with animals that could carry the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where Mpox occurs).
• Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with an infected individual.
• Isolate infected patients from others.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.     

• The presence of swollen lymph nodes during the prodromal stage of illness can be used to distinguish Mpox from other rash illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis, and medication-associated allergies.
• If Mpox is suspected, healthcare workers can collect a sample and send it to the lab for testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred test because of its accuracy and sensitivity. The samples used for testing Mpox are taken from skin lesions.  

Currently there is not a specific treatment approved for Mpox virus infections. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial. 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.

If you have symptoms of Mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has Mpox.

• Call your healthcare provider right away.
• Isolate yourself from others and do not share any objects or materials.
  • People with Mpox who do not require hospitalization should follow CDC’s Isolation and Prevention Practices for People with Mpox.

To see the latest Mpox vaccine recommendation, click here.

Look for a provider here or call the Fresno County Department of Public Health Immunization Clinic at (559) 600-3550 for assistance.