Mpox
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Washington 211 call takers can provide information and answers questions on mpox.
Available: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
For Providers: Suspect Mpox Intake Form
Walla Walla County Spox Statistics
Probable Cases 1
What is Mpox
Mpox is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. It was first discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since been most reported in Central and Western Africa.
2022 Outbreak in the US
Mpox has now spread to app 50 states. On August 24, 2022, the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health identified the first case of mpox in Walla Walla County. The virus is spreading primarily through close, intimate contact with infected individuals. Initially, the transmission was associated with individuals traveling outside of the country to affected areas, though now there is evidence that it is spreading within communities.
How does it spread
Mpox spreads when person comes in close contact with infected animal or human. It is primarily spread through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. The virus enters through broken skin, even if not visible. It can also be spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact and touching items that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids. The virus can spread anytime from the initial onset of symptoms until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The duration of this time is typically 2-4 weeks.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills,
Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples, appearing on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body.
Testing
We encourage anyone who has a rash and thinks they may have had close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who could have mpox in the last 21 days to talk to their medical provider and find out if they should be tested.
If you do not have a medical provider, you can seek care at any urgent/ walk-in clinic or emergency room.
As soon as probable cases are identified, public health is informed so that providers can take immediate action to inform the case and identify close contacts.
Mpox belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, which contains several species that can infect animals and humans. The most well-known member of the genus is the variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox.
With testing, if someone tests positive for Orthopoxvirus and negative for smallpox, they are considered a probable case of mpox. See the CDC’s link below for the complete of case definitions.
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/case-definition.html
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific treatment approved by the FDA for treatment of mpox. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with Smallpox may prove beneficial against mpox.
This includes the medication called Tecovirimat (TPOXX)
This antiviral treatment for mpox is available under Expanded Access to Investigational Drugs for Treatment use (EA-IND).
In Walla Walla County, we have access to the drug if needed. We are working on the process to have TPOXX available in WW County.
Vaccine
Two vaccines are licensed by the FDA are available for preventing mpox infection and are free:
JYNNEOS Vaccine reduces the chance of developing mpox.
Two-dose series, first dose asap after exposure, and second dose 28 days later.
Best given within 4 days of exposure to prevent disease
May be given within 4-14 days after exposure which may reduce symptoms of disease but may not prevent disease.
The DCH was allocated a limited number of doses of JYNNEOS vaccine in Washington State.
It is in limited supply, distributed to Washington from the CDC.
CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. This includes vaccinating laboratory workers who test mpox samples.
We do have JYNNEOS vaccine available at WW Dept. of Community Health for individuals that are considered high risk for mpox. You can call DCH to see if you qualify.
ACAM2000 which is in much greater supply but has significant risk of side effects. It is not recommended for everyone.
Prevention
- Avoid contact with both affected people and animals that may have it.
- Avoid contact with materials that have been in contact with infected person or sick animals.
- Isolate infected people from others.
- Wash hands with soap and water and use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for someone affected or presumed affected with mpox.
- If you are sick, isolate at home for the duration of the life of the virus.
For additional information, as well as up to date statistics on mpox, please visit the resource links listed below.
Mpox Washington State Department of Health
Mpox Poxvirus CDC
Mpox (who.int)