Mpox is an illness caused by a virus. Mpox infections are generally mild and rarely fatal. Mpox is most common in Central and West Africa. In spring 2022, mpox cases were reported in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the U.S. Most states have confirmed cases of mypox. Information about mpox in the U.S. is changing regularly. So far, most cases have been transmitted through close, intimate contact with a person who is infected with mpox.
Symptoms of Mpox:
1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
4. Muscle aches
5. Backache
6. Chills
7. Feeling very tired
8. Rash with blisters or pimples
For more information regarding the JYNNEOS (Mpox) vaccine click here.
Condition in
Mpox
Overview
Within 1 to 3 days of being exposed a fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes could develop followed by a rash with blisters. The rash starts with small red spots that have flat area or dimple in the middle. Sometimes the rash occurs first followed by the other symptoms while others may only develop a rash. The spots then form fluid-filled top over 1 to 2 days. These blisters can look like pimples.
The most common area for blisters are in the genital area and in the mouth and on the tongue. They can also appear on other parts of the body such as the arms, legs, palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.
The blisters may be the size of sesame seeds up to the size of a pencil eraser or a little larger (2 to 10 mm). They may hurt. The illness lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. As the blisters dry up and form scabs, they may feel itchy. Some people may have dark spots where the rash was on their skin. After all scabs have fallen off, the virus won’t spread to other people.
Our approach
The health care providers at M Health Fairview can evaluate, diagnose, and treat mpox. We are collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and our community partner clinics to coordinate our efforts in managing the mpox outbreak. We are here to provide education and information on what mpox is, how it spreads, ways to prevent it and when to seek health care guidance. We encourage patients seek guidance on evaluation and treatment with their primary care physician or infectious diseases specialist if an evaluation is needed. The situation is evolving daily and one of our goals is to be as transparent as possible about M Health Fairview’s current vaccine and treatment availability.
Within M Health Fairview there are great efforts to provide guidance and education for health care workers. Numerous departments have come together including infectious disease specialists, primary care physicians, infection and prevention control specialists, clinic nursing staff, pharmacists and leadership to ensure that we can provide an experience that reflects our commitment to treat patients with compassionate care. We will continue to work closely with MDH, community partners and patients to ensure the care that we provide is equitable across the twin cities.
Treatments, Tests, and Procedures
How does mpox spread?
People with mpox symptoms can then spread it to others through close contact. People who don't have mpox symptoms can't spread the virus to others.
The virus can spread in any of these ways:
- Touching a sick person’s blisters
- Breathing near a sick person
- Kissing or having sex with a sick person
- Touching infected animals, meat, or products made from infected animals
- Touching clothing, bedding, or objects that have touched a sick animal or person
- From an infected pregnant person to their baby, through the placenta
Diagnosis of Mpox: A healthcare provider will look at your blisters and ask about your symptoms. They will ask about recent travel or contact with sick people who had blisters. They may take a sample by swabbing your blisters. This is sent to a lab to look for the mpox virus. Results are typically available in 1-2 business days. Mpox can also look like other sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, so you may need additional testing for these infections. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate this.
Vaccination Information: There is an FDA-approved vaccine called JYNNEOS that is available to prevent a mpox infection in people over age 18. You can’t get mpox from the vaccine. People can receive the vaccine after being exposed to mpox to prevent illness.
You should get vaccinated within four days from the time you had close contact with someone with mpox to prevent disease. But the vaccine can be given up to 14 days after exposure. If it does not prevent you from getting the disease, it can prevent you from getting severely ill.
You need two doses of the vaccine before you are fully vaccinated. You are considered immune two weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
If you meet the above vaccination criteria, then call the M Health Fairview call center at 1-855-FAIRVIEW. We’ll help decide if the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is right for you.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a JYNNEOS vaccine or to an ingredient in the vaccine, such as gentamicin, ciprofloxacin or egg protein, talk to your doctor. You may not be able to get this vaccine.
For more information regarding the JYNNEOS (Mpox) vaccine click here.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for mpox. Most people get better on their own over time. Some people with severe illness may need to be in a hospital for IV fluids and other care.
Antiviral medicines used for smallpox may help some people who are at high risk of severe illness, such as Tecovirimat (TROXX). Your healthcare provider can tell you if medicine is available. Tell your healthcare provider if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a problem with your immune system.
Providers:
Any provider at Fairview can evaluate and diagnose mpox. Infection prevention and Infectious Diseases specialists are available for consultation when needed.
You need an appointment to receive the vaccine.
Treatment of mpox available at various M Health Fairview Hospitals
