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Mpox (Formerly Monkeypox)

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Man with a questionWhat is Mpox? 

Mpox is a rare disease, like smallpox (but milder), that can spread from infected people and materials contaminated with the virus – though not easily. Mpox can cause flu-like symptoms and distinct rash, lesions, and bumps on and sometimes inside the body.  The risk of getting mpox is currently very low - see the mpox data page from California Dept. of Public Health (CDPH). The first case in Madera County was confirmed Oct. 4, 2022 (Press release:  English | Español)

 How is it spread? 

 Anyone can get mpox.  It is spread by: Couple holding hands

  • direct contact with an 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 objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with Mpox
  • being scratched or bitten by an infected animal

    •  

    How do I protect myself?

    • Stay away and avoid intimate and physical contact with anyone who has symptoms
      • physical contact can include anything skin-to-skin or  face-to-face
    • Clean hands, objects, surfaces, bedding, towels and clothes if they come in contact with a person with Mpox symptoms
    • See California Dept. of Public Health Guidances for specifics:

     Symptoms & what to do
     

    Mpox can cause:

    People with monkeypox symptoms, causing fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, rash

    • Flu-like symptoms with fever, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes
      • Symptoms can start 5 to 21 days after exposure
    • Rash that starts flat, then becomes bumpy and filled with fluid
      • It can start on the face and spread to arms, legs & genitals
      • Mpox rash can look like other skin rashes (like syphilis or herpes)

    If you have symptoms, isolate from others and contact a health care provider right away to get checked.  

     Vaccine Priority Groups

    • Person having close contact with someone who tested positive for mpox
    • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
    • Transgender men and women who have sex with men
    Are you are in a priority group* & want to get vaccinated?  Schedule an appointment:
     hand touching face of cell phone

    Call Public Health: (559) 675-7893
    Online at myturn.ca.gov 
     computer icon myturn.ca.gov in English 
    QR code for MyTurn.ca.gov in english     		myturn.ca.gov en Español
    myturn.ca.gov qr code nov. 29 2022
     


    *Vaccine supply can be limited, and might be available only for the highest risk groups. Limited supply can also affect second doses, as it may require re- directing vaccine to high priority first-dose vaccinations (for example, to exposed persons in an outbreak situation).

     Questions?  Submit a short  Community Feedback form

    updated 12/08/22