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Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus in Connecticut

Mpox is a rare disease caused by an infection with the Mpox virus (an Orthopoxvirus). Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox and Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and Mpox is rarely fatal.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. individuals can also get a rash first, followed by other symptoms, while others only experience a rash. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Anyone with a rash that looks like Mpox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if they do not think they had contact with someone who has Mpox.

HOW IT SPREADS

Mpox can spread from 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
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of an infected person
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Individuals who do not have Mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if Mpox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.

Visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Mpox website for additional Mpox information for the general public and healthcare providers, vaccination information, data on Connecticut cases, and much more:

https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/CT-Monkeypox/Monkeypox-Main-Information

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MPOX VACCINES IN CONNECTICUT

Getting vaccinated after a recent exposure may reduce the chance of individuals getting mpox, and it can reduce symptoms if individuals do get it. CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination against mpox at this time, although vaccinations may be recommended for some people who:

• Are close personal contacts of people with Mpox
• May have been exposed to the virus
• May have increased risk of being exposed to the virus, such as people who perform laboratory testing to diagnose Mpox

The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series. It takes 14 days after getting the second dose for its immune protection to reach its maximum. People should take precautions to reduce their exposure to mpox until immune protection from vaccines has reached its maximum.

 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/faq.html 

2-1-1 Database – Mpox Vaccination Sites

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SOURCES: Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH); U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST UPDATED: August2023