Mpox is a rare illness that causes rash, chills, and fever. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox.
Mpox (formerly known as “monkeypox”) is a reportable disease in Oklahoma as an unusual condition. Mpox is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. Mpox infections are typically not severe; symptoms are usually similar to the flu with a rash and resolve within 2-4 weeks.
The general population is currently at low risk for contracting mpox. Medical providers should be on alert for any patient who is experiencing a rash that is characteristic of mpox and follow CDC guidelines on next steps, including infection control, testing and reporting.
Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:
Any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread mpox. Currently, a large proportion of the known mpox cases are among men who have sex with men.
Traveling to a country currently experiencing an outbreak could increase your risk of contracting mpox. If you are planning international travel, check that country’s infection rate on the WHO website. If necessary, consult your doctor about getting a mpox vaccination before traveling, or if you have been exposed.
Symptoms of mpox can include:
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. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
If you are concerned about having mpox symptoms or exposure, please contact the THD Epi-on-Call, 918-595-4399 or your healthcare provider for advice, testing and medical care. Recommendations for testing &/or vaccination will be provided based on the screening and assessment by THD epidemiologists. Self-isolate away from others to protect them from infection. Cover all possible blisters.
If you have been exposed, monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days from exposure. If symptoms develop, self-isolate away from others and contact the THD Epi-on-Call or your healthcare provider for advice and testing.
The Jynneos vaccine is a two-dose series administered 28 days apart.
Click below to schedule an appointment at the following Tulsa Health Department locations:
5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74126
We have 10 locations across Tulsa County that offer a variety of services to help you and your family stay healthy.
