Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has Mpox is at risk to be infected. Early data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up a high number of cases in the current outbreak. A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. A person is infectious from symptom onset until scabs fall off and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed. The illness can last as long as weeks. Most people do not have serious complications from MPV but will need to stay home until they are no longer infectious.
The Mpox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has Mpox. At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current Mpox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has Mpox is at risk. Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of Mpox. It takes time to build protection from the vaccine.
Protection builds in the days and weeks after the first dose, but the vaccine will provide the best protection two weeks after the second dose. There is still much that is unknown about the virus and the level of protection that the vaccine provides. Regardless of vaccination status, there are several ways to reduce the risk of getting Mpox. These changes are especially important when you are between your first and second dose of the vaccine. If you or your partner have recently been sick, currently feel sick, or have a new or an unexplained rash, do not have sex and see a healthcare provider.
A high index of suspicion for Mpox is warranted when evaluating people with the characteristic rash, particularly for the following groups:. Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association Call to determine eligibility: Polk County Health Department Schedule appointments at: www.
