Denver City Wire

As we head into summer, the Denver Dept. of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) reminds residents to take precautions around mpox. While the risk of mpox transmission is low to the general public, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the virus, how it spreads as well as resources available to the community for those interested in getting vaccinated or tested.

What is Mpox

Mpox is a virus in the orthopox family of viruses, which includes smallpox. The risk of mpox transmission is low to the general public, but it can be serious for people who get it. Cases of mpox have decreased in Denver and state-wide since the height of the outbreak in summer 2022. However, new cases and outbreaks are possible, as demonstrated by the recently reported cases in Denver and a cluster of cases detected in Chicago this spring. Symptoms often begin as flu-like symptoms that can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. Typically, a rash or bumps on the skin develop within 1-3 days after the onset of fever, but sometimes individuals only experience a rash and no other symptoms. The rash or bumps can look like pimples, blisters, or lesions that can appear in many places on the body including on the face, inside the mouth, other parts of the body like hands, feet, or chest, as well as in the genital or anal area.  

How Mpox is Spread

Mpox is primarily spread person-to-person when someone who has mpox has close, physical contact with someone else. Close contact with mpox means:

• Physical contact with a sick person’s rash, bumps, or lesions.
• Contact with respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact (3 hours or more without face coverings).
• Intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sexual contact.
• Touching bed linens, clothing, bandages, or other materials of someone who is sick, especially materials that came in contact with lesions.

Mpox Vaccinations are Available

Getting vaccinated lowers your chance of getting mpox if you are exposed to the virus. The sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better. The vaccine can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick later. People who already have symptoms of mpox, or are confirmed to have been infected with mpox, should not get vaccinated. Many options for free mpox vaccination are available in Denver. People who are vaccinated should continue to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox — no vaccine provides 100 percent protection against infection, so breakthrough cases can occur. Data shows Jynneos vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Public health officials recommend Jynneos vaccination for:

Anyone who has had close physical contact with someone who has mpox in the last 14 days.

Anyone who: 

• Has multiple or anonymous sexual partners, or 
• Has close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur, or 
• Was diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in the past six months, or 
• Is living with HIV, or 
• Is immunocompromised and anticipates potential mpox exposure, or
• Uses or is eligible for HIV PrEP (medication to prevent HIV, e.g. Truvada, Descovy, or Apretude), or 
• Has sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs.

Anyone identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has mpox. 

Anyone whose sexual partner identifies with any of the above scenarios.

Anyone who anticipates experiencing any of the above scenarios.

Vaccines can be used to reduce the likelihood of infection in people who may have been exposed to mpox or reduce the severity of symptoms if someone gets sick. The vaccine must be administered prior to onset of symptoms to be effective against becoming infected. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination with two doses of Jynneos vaccine administered 28 days (four weeks) apart for people who are at risk for mpox infection.

DDPHE remains dedicated to working closely with community partners, healthcare professionals, and communities to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. “We urge individuals to take the necessary precautions and share this information with family, friends, and colleagues to prevent the spread of mpox,” said Dr. Sterling McLaren, Denver’s chief medical officer.

For further information and resources on monkeypox prevention and safety measures, please visit the DDPHE mpox webpage.

Original source can be found here