MPOX (formerly known as Monkeypox)

MPOX (MONKEYPOX) OVERVIEW:

Currently, the risk of mpox infection to the public remains low. Individuals should be aware of the symptoms of mpox and seek medical attention if they experience new, unexplained rashes or skin lesions. Cases in the ongoing outbreak have involved skin lesions in the genital, groin, and anal regions that might be confused with rashes caused by common diseases such as herpes and syphilis. Other early symptoms of mpox include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.

PREVENTION:

To prevent the spread of mpox, individuals can:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact in large crowds where people are wearing minimal clothing (such as nightclubs, festivals, raves, saunas, and bathhouses).
• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with a new, unexplained rash.
• If you were exposed to mpox or have symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Healthcare providers can provide testing and care for people with mpox.
• If you are sick with mpox, isolate at home until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. Mpox is usually a self-limiting infection that does not require hospitalization.

VACCINATION

Metro Health will continue to offer the vaccine against mpox at no charge so long as it continues to be made available by state and federal agencies. More information about mpox and how to prevent infection can be found on the CDC Mpox website.

The Metro Health Clinic is located at 512 E Highland Blvd Suite 150, San Antonio, TX 78210. Call 210-207-8830 for questions on getting the mpox vaccine.

Vaccine Recommendations:

It is recommended that you receive the vaccination against mpox if you:

• Had sexual or intimate contact to someone who may have mpox. Get vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure, regardless of your sexual or gender identity.
• Are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, or are a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who has had any of the following within the past 6 months:
  • One or more sexually transmitted infections (e.g., HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
  • More than one sexual partner, or anonymous sexual or intimate contact.
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse).
  • Sex at an event, venue, or in an area (city or county for example) where mpox transmission is occurring.
• Have had sexual or intimate contact with a person who is at risk of mpox as described above.
• You work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory or are part of an orthopoxvirus health care worker response team.

View a list of FAQ's regarding mpox here.

More information about mpox and how to prevent infection can be found here.