Monkeypox (MPX) Information for our Community

We have partnered with Butte County Public Health (BCPH) and other community organizations in an effort to disseminate accurate information and have sponsored 2 vaccine clinics for our LGBTQ+ community to receive vaccinations.

Need more information? Visit the California Department of Public Health Monkeypox Q&A Site or the Butte County Public Health Hot Topics Page

Monkeypox (MPX) spreads through close contact.

You should see a doctor if you think you have it.

About MPX

MPX is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus.  The MPX virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus which includes the variola (smallpox) virus as well as the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine. MPX is a public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. MPX is less transmissible and usually less severe than smallpox.

MPX was first identified in 1958 and occurs primarily in Central and West African countries. Historically, MPX cases have rarely occurred in the U.S. and had mostly been related to international travel or importation of animals. There is a recent significant increase in reported cases where MPX is not commonly seen, including in Europe, Canada, the United States and California.  

MPX Symptoms 

MPX often starts with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores. The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy.

The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, and face, or inside the mouth. They may also be limited to one part of the body.

People with MPX may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most with MPX will develop the rash or sores. Some people have reported developing a rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms. 

Infectious Period 

MPX can spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed, scabs are off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath. This can take several weeks.

Transmission

MPX can be spread by:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with the sores or scabs of people with MPX

  • Direct contact with body fluids of people with MPX, such as drainage from skin sores or saliva that was in contact with mouth sores

  • Contact with the respiratory secretions of people with MPX, such as saliva, during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

  • Touching items (such as bedding towels, clothing, cups and utensils) that previously touched the sores or body fluids of people with MPX

To date, there has been no evidence that MPX is spread by:

  • Attending an outdoor event with fully clothed people

  • Trying on clothes or shoes at a store

  • Traveling in an airport, on a plane or on other public transit

  • Swimming in a pool or body of water

Prevention

If you think you might be at risk you can:

  • Cover exposed skin in crowds

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Not sharing materials (bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, cups) with someone who has symptoms

  • Talk to anyone you've had sex or close contact with about their health. Always talk to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner's body, including on the genitals and anus

  • Stay aware if traveling

  • Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sexual activity with people with symptoms like sores or rashes

  • Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms

  • Avoiding contact with infected animals

If you have symptoms:

  • Cover the area of the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

  • Wear a well-fitted mask

  • Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sexual activity

  • Talk to a healthcare provider as soon as possible

  • Stay away from other people

  • Let sex partners know about any symptoms you have

It is important to remember neither one nor two doses of vaccine are 100% effective at preventing MPX infection. For those who believe they are at-risk for MPX – regardless of vaccine status – minimizing skin-to-skin contact with others by limiting sexual partners, using condoms, and wearing clothing while in crowded settings like dancefloors can help reduce the risk for transmission.

Testing & Isolation

If you have a new or an unexplained rash or other symptoms, seek medical care for further testing and evaluation.

  • Wear a well-fitting mask, ensure your rash is covered, and tell your health care provider of your current symptoms of possible MPX 

  • If you do not have a health care provider or healthcare insurance, visit a public health clinic or local county clinic. You may also contact the Department of Healthcare Services for more available resources

  • Avoid crowds and close contact, including sexual or intimate contact, until you see your health care provider.

For more information about isolation recommendations, please refer to the CDPH MPX Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public.

Treatment

Most MPX infections are mild and will heal without any treatment. Antiviral drugs, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be used to treat MPX. This drug may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill or for people who are experiencing severe disease. It may also be recommended for people who have rash lesions in areas that may be at higher risk for scarring, such as the eyes or the genital area.

People who may be at risk for more severe illness include those with a weakened immune system, children (particularly those younger than 8 years of age), those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with a history of certain skin diseases like eczema.

It is important to talk to your health care provider if you have symptoms of MPX and are experiencing pain or irritation due to the rash or sores. Your provider may also be able to  offer treatments that are not specific to MPX, but may help to reduce your symptoms, like prescribed mouth rinses, stool softeners for those with rectal pain, or topical gels or creams.

MPX Vaccine

Butte County Public Health received the county’s first allocation of the vaccine on July 14, 2022. The vaccine supply is currently limited. Therefore, BCPH will work closely with local healthcare providers to identify persons who may be high risk and will identify close contacts of confirmed cases to determine their vaccine eligibility.

Find a vaccine near you!