May 25, 2023

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has determined that the state’s very limited supply of mpox vaccine should be reserved for eligible populations. See the CDC’s website for vaccine eligibility.

The mpox vaccine is available at the Provo immunizations office of the Utah County Health Department:

Current Cases in Utah

Overview

Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with mpox virus. Although rare, recent cases in several countries, including the United States, have prompted a response from the CDC.

As with all epidemiologic surveillance, Utah County Health Department works with the CDC, State, and other local health department surveillance systems.  Close collaboration is necessary to identify, track, and prevent any further spread of infectious disease. 

For more information about mpox, please visit the CDC’s website.

Prevention

Mpox can be transmitted person-to-person through:

*direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids

*respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

*prolonged contact with items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

For more information, see the CDC’s guidelines on prevention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but can range from 5-21 days.

The initial symptoms of mpox are usually fever, chills, body/muscle/headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

1 to 3 days after fever, a rash appears, sometimes on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.

*Sores/rash may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

*The rash will go through several stages. The sores often begin as small, red bumps, which become fluid-filled pustules that eventually scab over and fall off.

*Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms and some only experience a rash or sores without other symptoms.

*Symptoms usually last 2-4 weeks. People with symptoms should stay isolated the entire time they have symptoms.

The illness is over when all pustules have scabbed over and fallen off, and new skin is present. People are contagious the entire time they have symptoms. Most people recover fully with no treatment. People with severe illness or who are immunocompromised may receive antiviral medication with approval.

Please see the CDC’s website for more information on symptoms.

If you have had an exposure or have symptoms, please contact your health care provider or contact us below.