Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox

A multi-country, global outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), has been ongoing since 2022.

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal.

Mpox virus can spread to anyone through close, personal contact with someone infected.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

• Fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that may be painful.
• Respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion.
• A person may have all or no symptoms.
• Symptoms typically start within 3 to 17 days after exposure to the virus.

Mpox can spread to anyone through:

• Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person infected with mpox.
• Touching or using items such as clothing, linens, or utensils that a person with mpox has recently used.
• Having sex of any kind (oral, anal, and vaginal) or touching genitals or the anus of a person with mpox.
• Respiratory secretions can also spread mpox during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Note: Any close, sustained, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox can spread the virus. The contact does not have to be exclusively intimate or sexual.
• There have been no reports of transmission during quick interaction between people in close proximity, such as a brief conversation.

How soon after exposure do symptoms develop?

•  The incubation period is roughly 1-2 weeks (range 5-21 days).
• It can take up to 21 days for symptoms to develop after exposure. During this time, a person feels fine; there are no symptoms, and they are not contagious.
• A person with mpox is contagious until all scabs on the skin have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed.

How can I protect myself?

The best way to protect yourself from mpox is to:

• Avoid any rashes or sores you see on others and minimize skin-to-skin contact when possible.
• Avoid sex and other intimate contact with multiple or anonymous partners.
• If you feel sick or have any rashes or sores, do not attend any gatherings and see a healthcare provider.
• Follow the above prevention steps and get vaccinated if you were exposed to mpox or are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox to help protect yourself and your community.

Is there a vaccine available, and should I get it?

Yes, there is a vaccine available for people who fall in high-risk groups. Currently, the mpox vaccine is available through Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

How/where do I get tested for mpox virus?

If you have symptoms of mpox, talk to a health-care provider (call student health services at 440-775-8180) right away. A provider will help you decide if you should be tested and can help collect specimens and send them to a laboratory for testing. Laboratory testing results can take up to two weeks.

• Mpox testing is available at Mercy Allen ER and commercial labs including Quest, Labcorp, Sonica Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, and Aegis Sciences Corporation.
• Before you see a healthcare provider (or while waiting for test results), you should:
  • Avoid close contact with others.
  • Avoid close contact with pets or other animals.

Treatment:

Currently, no treatment has been explicitly approved for mpox virus (MPXV) infections. For most patients with mpox who have intact immune systems and don’t have a skin disease such as eczema, supportive care and pain control will help recovery without medical treatment.

Medications for smallpox may be used to treat patients at high risk of severe illness. These drugs are available only under special permission from the FDA via enrollment in clinical trials.

Additional Mpox information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Local Resources for mpox testing:

Student Health Services
Dascomb Hall, Suite B
140 W. College St.
Oberlin, OH 44074

Mercy Health-Allen Hospital
200 W. Lorain St.
Oberlin. OH 44074
440-775-1211