Mpox

DuPage County Mpox Case Summary as of February 22, 2023

Effective January 25, 2023, DCHD will suspend monthly updates on mpox unless new case/contact activity is reported.

Cases:
Sex:
Average age:Race:Ethnicity:
Total = 27
27 male (100%)
0 female 
28 years
(range: <1 year - 48 years)
16 White (59.3%),
7 Black/African American (25.9%),
3 Asian 
(11.1%),
1 Two or More Races (3.7%)
 20 Non-Hispanic or Latino (74.1%), 
7 Hispanic or Latino (25.9%)
HIV status:
Specimen collection date range:
Antiviral Treatment 
(TPOXX)
 received: 
Hospitalization status: 
8 positive (29.6%),
8 negative (29.6%),
11 unknown (40.7%)
6/7/2022 - 1/24/2023
6 (22.2%) 
3 (11.1%)


monkeypox epi chart 1.25.23 (JPG)


Background

Since May 14, 2022, clusters of mpox cases have been reported in several countries that don’t normally have mpox. On May 20, 2022, the CDC issued a Health Advisory regarding recent cases in the United States.    

Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox (Mpox) virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.

Mpox is typically endemic to parts of central and west Africa. People can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products.

Symptoms

Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. Symptoms of mpox can include: 

  • Fever 
  • Headache 
  • Muscle aches and backache 
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Chills 
  • Exhaustion 
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. 
    • The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. This process can take several weeks 

Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Early Detection and Prevention

If you have a new or unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms:  

  • See your health care provider – if you don’t have a provider or health insurance, call and schedule an appointment at a public health clinic near you. 
  • When you see a healthcare provider for possible mpox, remind them that the virus is circulating in the community.  
  • Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out. 
  • Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.

If you or your partner have mpox:

  • Follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of your health care provider. 
  • Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until all your sores have healed and you have a fresh layer of skin formed.  

There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with mpox virus:

  • Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection. 
  • Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients. 
  • Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where mpox occurs). 
  • Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.

While this current outbreak is largely affecting gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, it is important to know anyone can get mpox. 

However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox is at risk. Further information on prevention and early detection for people who are sexually active is available at:  Monkeypox Facts for People Who are Sexually Active | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC and Social Gatherings, Safer Sex, and Monkeypox | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC.

Mpox is rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact. The threat of mpox to the general U.S. population remains LOW.

If you are a healthcare provider in DuPage County seeking information about diagnostic testing, please visit our   Health Professionals page.

For additional information, please visit:


Vaccine

DuPage County Health Department has received doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine and is distributing vaccine to health care providers and administering vaccine to eligible individuals. Healthcare providers are able to request the vaccine for their patients through DCHD. 

IDPH recommends vaccination for people who have been in close contact with people who have mpox. Currently, people who may be eligible for vaccination include:

  • Anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation who:
    • Had recent skin-to-skin contact or intimate contact with someone diagnosed with mpox.
    • Exchanged goods or services for sex in the last six months.
    • Is living with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease. 
    • Is eligible or currently taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help prevent infection with HIV.
  • Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. transgender, or nonbinary people who in the past six months have had: 
    • a new diagnosis of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis). 
    • More than one sexual partner. 
  • Sexual partners of people with the above risks. 
  • People who anticipate experiencing the above risks. 

Eligible individuals can schedule a vaccination appointment with DCHD by calling 630-682-7400.

If you have received a mpox vaccine through DCHD, please fill out this monkeypox vaccine feedback survey

IDPH Monkeypox-Infographic what you need to know (JPG) Opens in new window

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Monkeypox Cleaning an Disinfecting Infographic side A (JPG) Opens in new window Monkeypox Infographic Cleaning and Disinfecting side B (JPG) Opens in new window CDC Monkeypox and Safer Sex Page 1 (PNG) Opens in new window

Things to Know about Monkeypox (Mpox)

CDC: 5 Things Sexually Active People Need to Know about Monkeypox (Mpox)



Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Reviewed: 3/14/2023