Monkeypox (MPX) - El Dorado County
MPX is a rare disease, similar to smallpox (but milder), that can spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus – though not easily. MPX can cause flu-like symptoms and distinct rash, lesions, and bumps on the body. However, the risk of getting MPX is currently very low.
El Dorado County & the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are closely monitoring the MPX transmission in the County and California to rapidly identify cases. The risk of MPX to the public is low based on current information available. While MPX can infect anyone, many of the recent cases in 2022 have occurred among persons self-identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM).
Currently in El Dorado County, the MPX - JYNNEOS vaccine is being prioritized for people in select high risk groups, known close contacts of MPX cases, or individuals at occupational risk, see Vaccination Section below or flyer for more information about the vaccine & eligbility.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
MPX might start with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores. The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy.
The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or inside the mouth. They may also be limited to one part of the body.
People with MPX may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most with MPX will develop the rash or sores. Some people have reported developing a rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms.
Infectious Period
MPX can spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
MPX spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, hugging, massaging, and cuddling. MPX can spread through touching materials used by a person with monkeypox that haven't been cleaned, such as clothing and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact.
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MPX can be spread through
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Direct skin-skin contact with rash lesions
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Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing
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Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone
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Sharing utensils, cups, towels or unwashed clothing
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Respiratory secretions through prolonged face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox)
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MPX is
NOT spread through:
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Casual brief conversations
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Walking by someone with monkeypox, like in a grocery store
HOW IS IT PREVENTED?
There are number of ways to prevent the spread of MPX, including:
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Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner's body, including on the genitals and anus
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Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
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Practicing good hand hygiene
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Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
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Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus
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Avoiding contact with infected animals
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Receive the vaccine if you fall into the
“Priority Tier Groups”, refer to the next section for more information.
VACCINATION
Due to the limited supply, El Dorado County Public Health is currently offering the MPX vaccine for people in the following select high risk groups:
- Anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation who:
- was identified by Public Health as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for MPX OR
- is at risk for known exposure due to an occupation risk OR
- is a sexual partner of someone who meets the criteria above OR
- engaged in transactional sex or sex work
Scheduling an Appointment:
If you meet any of the criteria under the Vaccine Eligibility, please call El Dorado County Public Health to 530-621-6100, option 3. You will be screened for eligibility and scheduled for an upcoming appointment.
The vaccine should not be given to individuals who already have had MPX or have signs & symptoms of MPX.
Vaccine Resources for the General Public:
GENERAL RESOURCES