Mpox

What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease caused by infection with the mpox virus and is in the same virus family as smallpox. While mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, it is a much milder disease and is rarely fatal. People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. 

• The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

Other symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may experience all or only a few of these symptoms.

How can I protect myself from mpox?

Avoid skin-on-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox. 

The JYNNEOS vaccine provides the best protection from mpox for those who are at greater risk. North Carolina has expanded the vaccine eligibility criteria to include:

• Anyone who has or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners; 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. 
• Anyone whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above; or
• People who anticipate experiencing the above risks.

Eligible students and employees can call Campus Health at 919-515-2563 and request a “JYNNEOS vaccine appointment.” If students believe they have been exposed and are ill, they can make an appointment at Campus Health online or call 919-515-2563.

More information about risk factors and vaccine availability in Wake County can be found here.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to mpox?

It is important to seek testing and treatment quickly if you are exhibiting a new, unexplained rash along with other mpox symptoms and/or have had close contact with someone who recently tested positive for mpox. Please make an appointment with your health care provider or Campus Health.

Do I have to quarantine if I have been exposed to mpox?

No, at this time people who have been exposed to mpox are not required to quarantine. However, people who are exposed should self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days from their last exposure to someone with symptoms or unhealed lesions and check their temperature twice a day. 

If you have develop mpox symptoms, you are advised to stay at home (isolate) including until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Staying away from other people and not sharing things you have touched with others will help prevent the spread of mpox. People with mpox should clean and disinfect the spaces they occupy regularly to limit household contamination.