Mpox Information
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal.
2022 Outbreak
During 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in the United States and other countries where mpox is not typically found. People with mpox in the current outbreak generally report having close, sustained physical contact with other people who have mpox.
Latest Update
Mypox cases identified in Wood County are included below,and will be updated as needed throughout the current outbreak.
Wood County Mpox Confirmed/Probable Cases: 2
Ohio Mpox Cases: Confirmed mpox/orthopoxvirus cases in Ohio are reported in the dashboard linked below. Please note that probable cases are not included in numbers reported by Ohio Department of Health.
https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/mpx/monkeypox-dashboard
Probable cases include individuals that have tested positive for orthopoxvirus, a family of viruses that includes Mpox. Additional testing (genomic sequencing) is required to confirm Mpox. Once confirmatory testing is done, probable cases are considered confirmed. Although Mpox is the only known orthopoxvirus circulating globally/nationally confirmatory testing is still required to protect public health.
How mpox spreads
Mpox spreads between people through:
- Direct contact with an infectious rash (which can look like pimples or blisters), scabs or bodily fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged or intimate close contact, including kissing
- Touching fabrics and objects used by a person with mpox that have not been disinfected.
If your health care provider thinks you may have mpox, avoid being in close contact with anyone until your test results are confirmed. If you must leave home for essential needs or medical care, cover your rash and lesions with clothing and wear a face mask.
If you have confirmed mpox
People with mpox should remain isolated from others for the duration of their illness, which typically lasts two to four weeks. People can spread mpox from the time symptoms start until all symptoms are gone: until the rash has healed, scabs have fallen off and you have a fresh layer of skin.
Isolate from others
- Stay home and away from other people and pets in your household. Don’t share a bed.
- Don’t let others touch clothing, towels, bedding, dishes or utensils you have used.
- Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces in the home. Frequently disinfect shared surfaces and repeat the thorough cleaning once you have recovered.
- When cleaning, wear long sleeves and pants, disposable medical gloves and a face mask that fits well. Immediately launder clothes and wash hands thoroughly after cleaning.
- Wash dishes with warm water and soap or in a dishwasher.
- Use a lined trash can in the room where you are isolating. Wear gloves when handling trash.
- The person with mpox and all household members should wash hands frequently.
If you cannot stay away from others in your household:
- Wear a face mask and clothing that covers your lesions when you are in shared spaces.
- Avoid close or physical contact.
If you must leave home for essential needs or medical care, cover your rash and lesions with clothing and wear a face mask.
Identify Close Contacts
Think about the people you have had direct, close or intimate contact with during the last 21 days. If you have been diagnosed with mpox, you will be contacted by Wood County Health Department’s infectious disease representatives and asked to share this information
Information shared with the Health Department is confidential and only used for the purposes of preventing the spread of the disease to others.
Vaccines may be available to help prevent illness in people who have been exposed if they meet certain criteria. Confidentially sharing information about close contacts with the Health Department can help prevent additional cases of the illness.
Treatment Options
Many people with mpox have a mild illness and recover without treatment. Antiviral medication may be available to reduce symptoms of mpox or speed recovery in some people. Your health care provider can review possible treatment options with you based on your situation. Contact the Wood County Health Department infectious disease representatives if you need additional information.
For more information: Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
Questions? Contact Wood County Health Department infectious disease representatives at 419-354-4306
