WASHINGTON — Health officials in Virginia are closely monitoring a recent increase in reported mpox cases across the commonwealth.
Since Jan. 1, mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, has been reported in the central, northern, and northwest health regions of Virginia. Of the 12 total cases, four patients required hospitalization, six were co-infected with HIV and none had previously been vaccinated.
Twelve cases were reported in all of 2023 in Virginia and all were from the Northern health region, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Those infected with mpox may experience fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and a new, unexplained rash that might be painful. While most people infected during this ongoing breakout have been gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone can get mpox.
"It’s important for everyone to help prevent the spread, especially as we enter into the spring and summer festival season, including Pride celebrations," said VDH in a press release.
VDH tips on preventing an mpox diagnosis:
- Get vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine if you’re at risk of being exposed to mpox or come into close contact with someone with mpox.
- The vaccine protects against mpox infection and can lessen illness severity if you get mpox.
- Getting both doses offers the best protection. It is never too late to start the series or get your second dose if you haven’t already.
- Mpox vaccines are free. Use the CDC mpox vaccine locator to find a vaccination site near you.
- Mpox spreads through close, sustained physical contact, so take steps to protect yourself, whether you are vaccinated or not. If you are a person who has been informed that you are a close contact with someone with mpox, watch for symptoms of mpox 21 days from the last day of exposure and talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.
- When thinking about how to lower the chance of getting mpox at events like raves, parties, clubs, and festivals, consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur. Clothing that covers skin allows for better protection at events where there may be higher levels of close contact.
- Do not share personal items and avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone with confirmed mpox or a new, unexplained rash.
If you have mpox symptoms, VDH suggests speaking with your health care provider about getting tested, even if you have been vaccinated.
"Stay at home and away from other people and animals until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed," the VDH website reads.
The VDH call center has live operators available to answer any questions about mpox, as well as treatment options. Call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages. TTY users may dial 711.
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