TARRANT COUNTY, TX
Epidemiology
Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a viral, potentially serious disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The disease can be found in some wild animals such as primates and rodents in west and central Africa. While some cases in the United States have occurred due to contact with imported infected animals, the cause of most cases in the U.S. have occurred due to contact with a person who has Mpox.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of Mpox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.
The illness begins with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that may have been flat and then formed blisters or has crusted
The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and Mpox is that Mpox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for Mpox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.
Within one to three days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.
The illness typically lasts for two − four weeks. In Africa, Mpox has been shown to cause death in as many as one in ten peoople who contract the disease.
Transmission
Human-to-human transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets or contact with an infected patient’s skin lesions, such as when a person comes into contact with the virus from an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus.
Prolonged close contact with an infected person is the most common means of transmission. However, other human-to-human methods of transmission include direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, and indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or linens. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Visit the CDC's website on Social Gatherings, Safer Sex and Mpox to read more about how the virus can spread through sexual activity or at raves, parties, clubs, and festivals.
Animal-to-human transmission may occur by bite or scratch, bush meat preparation, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, or indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated bedding.
People who have not had close contact with a wild or exotic animal or infected person are not at risk.
Treatment Options
Currently, there are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection. However, outbreaks can be controlled by use of existing medications: Smallpox vaccine, cidofovir, ST-246, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG).
The CDC recommends that people investigating Mpox outbreaks and involved in caring for infected individuals or animals should receive a smallpox vaccination to protect themselves against Mpox. People who have had close or intimate contact with individuals or animals confirmed to have Mpox also should be vaccinated. People can be vaccinated up to 14 days after exposure.
Visit this CDC website about Treatment to learn more.
People who think they may have been exposed to a person or an animal with Mpox should contact their health care provider or call the Tarrant County Public Health Call Center at 817-248-6299.
CDC Travel Guidance
Currently, the CDC has issued a Travel Alert Level 2.
Here are some recommendations for travelers to lower your risk of Mpox.
Presentation Request
If you and your organization would like to learn more about Monkeypox, please complete the request form and return via email.