Mpox

2022 U.S. Mpox Outbreak

CCDPH is updating its webpages with the term "mpox" to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Historical community presentations and webinars prior to December 2022 may not have these changes reflected. 

Anyone can get mpox, but many of the cases identified in the current outbreak have been in men who have sex with men. The virus enters the body through broken skin, or mucus membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals. The virus does not spread exclusively through any one gender, sexual, or social network.

The disease is accompanied by a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. The rash starts flat then becomes bumpy and fluid-filled before scabbing over and resolving. This happens over a period of 2-4 weeks. Rashes may be all over the body, including the palms, feet, and head, or located only on specific body parts such as the genitals or around the buttocks. 

Transmission 

Mpox is transmitted person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.

Visit the NC DHHS website for What You Need To Know about Mpox and Quick Facts.

Prevention Steps

Take the following steps to prevent getting mpox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.

Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.

Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.

Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.

• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread mpox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.

If you are sick with mpox:

• Isolate at home
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.

Testing 

If you have a new or unexplained rash, see your healthcare provider or the Health Department, and avoid having close or intimate contact with anyone until you have been checked out. 

You can schedule an appointment with the Health Department by calling 910-433-3600, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (follow the prompts). Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

Vaccines and Eligibility

Vaccines are free and available, regardless of immigration status. Vaccination can protect against mpox infection or to reduce disease severity if infection does occur. NCDHHS has expanded the vaccine eligibility criteria to include:

• Anyone who has or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners; or
• Anyone whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above; or
• People who know or suspect they have been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days; or
• Anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for mpox through sex or other intimate contact.

Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis in the Immunization Clinic. Hours of operation are available here. 

The Jynneos vaccines is free, regardless of insurance status. If you have health insurance, we will bill your health insurance, only with your consent. Individuals will not receive a bill for the vaccine. 

North Carolina law requires individuals that are under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization to have written consent from a legal parent or guardian. 

For more information about the vaccine to prevent mpox infection visit the CDC website. 

How many cases are in Cumberland County?

There are currently identified cases of mpox in Cumberland County. For an updated case count and demographics of mpox cases in North Carolina visit the NC DHHS website. For updated case counts across the United States, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Community Resources 

• Cumberland County Mpox Informational Update 8/11

Slide deck  
Recording https://bit.ly/3c3oDe6

• Postcards 
• Take Pride Now
  

Healthcare providers interested in testing and vaccinations 

• Provider Memo
• Providers interested in offering the mpox vaccine should start here:
  Mpox Vaccine Enrollment and Capacity Survey 
• Requesting Vaccines and Therapeutics 
• Vaccine Toolkit 
• Webinar (07/28/22) - Mpox Update for Providers