What is mpox?
Mpox is caused by a virus that
spreads through close, skin-to-skin intimate contact or during sex. It can also
spread through kissing and contact with sheets, towels and other objects. While
most cases have occurred through sexual activity, Mpox is not an STI.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Mpox starts with flu-like
symptoms, followed by a rash or sores.
Who is at risk of mpox?
Anyone can get mpox, regardless
of gender identity or sexual orientation, if they come in close contact with
someone infected with the virus. At this time, most, but not all cases of
mpox within the 2022 outbreak have been found in people who identify as
gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men.
How do I get tested for mpox?
If you have symptoms of mpox,
you should see a healthcare provider for testing. Columbus Public Health also
offers testing for mpox. Please call 614-645-7774 to make an appointment.
To be tested, you must have a rash or sores.
There is no blood test, and you cannot be tested if you don’t have an active
rash or sores.
How do I get a vaccine?
Columbus Public Health is working with community
partners and local healthcare providers to offer the vaccine to those most at
risk. Just like with
COVID-19, while vaccine supply is limited, we are prioritizing those at
greatest risk first. Learn more about current vaccine eligibility and
availability here.
If I test positive for mpox, how and when to notify
contacts?
Whenever there is a case of mpox, public
health will help assess which close contacts should be notified through contact
tracing. Vaccines are available for confirmed close contacts of a person with
mpox.
What is the isolation timeline for those with mpox?
Isolation
for those with mpox can be up to 4 weeks. A person diagnosed with
mpox must stay isolated until all of the rash or sores crust over and new
skin grows over it. This usually takes 2-4 weeks. Learn more about isolation
guidelines here.
Are healthcare workers at risk?
Healthcare workers are not at risk
as long as appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn when
interacting with a person with a suspected mpox infection.
What are disease prevention strategies for schools?
Disease
prevention with mpox is similar to other viruses – wash hands, wear masks,
stay home if sick or have a fever and clean surfaces regularly.
How does case reporting and tracking work?
Labs report cases directly to public health
like other reportable diseases. Public health interviews the cases and
determines close contacts and places where exposure could have occurred.
Schools/businesses/agencies should report a cluster or an outbreak to local
public health.
What are cleaning guidelines for areas where a mpox
case has been?
Clean
surfaces with antiviral/antibacterial products. Make hand washing readily
available.
Is there masking guidance for mpox?
Masking
can help reduce the spread of mpox.
If a child becomes ill, and we suspect it is Mpox, what
process should we follow?
If a
child becomes ill and you suspect mpox, you should have the parents get
the child evaluated by a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and then follow
the guidance for that diagnosis.