The Latest Updates on mpox

In August of 2022, the United States declared its mpox outbreak a national public health emergency. While mpox has shown to be less contagious than other viruses such as COVID-19 and has not led to any deaths in the country, residents are asked to take its risk seriously.

The City of Worcester is prioritizing treatment and prevention efforts for populations currently at most risk, with a particular focus on individuals with multiple sexual partners; those in repeated close contact with others, including sports teams; and those living in close quarters, such as in group housing and dorms. The City is seeking to expand its access to vaccines, and residents will be notified as its capacity increases.

This page includes up-to-date information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) about how mpox spreads, precautions to take and how to seek treatment.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus, which can make people sick. Symptoms may include a rash, resembling pimples or blisters, often preceded by flu-like illness. Overall illness typically lasts 2 - 4 weeks. While some people experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe pain.

How it Spreads

Mpox can be spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:

• Direct contact with rash, blisters or scabs.
• Contact with surfaces and objects - such as clothing, bedding or towels - that have been used by an individual with mpox.
• Prolonged contact with bodily fluids, such as through kissing.

Mpox can be easily passed between sexual partners due to close skin contact, and any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread it.

A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

• More on Spread from the CDC

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox infection typically appear within 3 weeks of exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle Aches and Backache
• Headache
• Respiratory Symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)

Rash blisters appear 1 - 4 days later and can be located on or near the genitals or anus, as well as other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. They can itch and be painful to the touch. The blisters will go through several stages before scabbing, falling off and healing.

• More on Signs and Symptoms from the CDC

Prevention

The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself from getting mpox:

1. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
2. Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

The CDC also recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who may be more likely to get mpox, which includes:

• People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with mpox.
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with mpox.
• Men who have had sex with other men, or transgender or nonbinary people, who have had:
  • In the past 2 weeks: Sex with multiple partners or group sex, sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse) or sex at an event, venue or in an area where mpox transmission is occurring.
  • In the past 6 months: A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases including acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia or gonorrhea; or more than one sex partner.
• People who in the past 6 months have had:
• Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse).
• Sex at an event, venue or in an area where mpox transmission is occurring.
• People whose sexual partner identify with any of the above scenarios.
• People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.

Currently, high-risk individuals may contact AIDS Project Worcester at 508-755-3773 x113 to schedule a vaccine appointment. However, due to severely limited supply, availability is currently low.

Additional details on vaccine eligibility and other locations in Massachusetts offering appointments can be found on the MDPH Website.

• More on Prevention from the CDC

Treatment

City health officials advise any resident who suspects they have been infected to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible and to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others until being examined. They should also alert anyone they may have been in close physical contact with about potential exposure. Anyone with mpox is urged to follow the CDC's Isolation Guidelines.

While there is no current treatment specifically for mpox, antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

Additional Resources

• Reducing Stigma in mpox Communication and Community Engagement | mpox | Poxvirus
• What You Need to Know about mpox if You are a Teen or Young Adult
• mpox and Safer Sex
• Videos | mpox | Poxvirus
• Graphics | mpox | Poxvirus