Oregon health officials report a recent increase in mpox cases and are urging people at higher risk to get vaccinated. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recommends the two dose JYNNEOS vaccine for those who may have been exposed or are likely to come into contact with the virus. This includes men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and anyone with multiple or anonymous sexual partners.

Key Takeaways

  • Mpox cases are rising in Oregon after a period of low transmission.
  • The JYNNEOS vaccine is safe, effective, and available at no cost.
  • People at higher risk should get two doses, 28 days apart.
  • Symptoms include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads mainly through close, direct contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. In the current outbreak, most cases have involved skin to skin contact during sexual activity. Pregnant people can also pass the virus to their fetus.

According to the OHA, symptoms usually appear within 6 to 13 days after exposure but can range from 5 to 21 days. The illness often begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion, followed by a distinctive rash that can look like pimples or blisters. The rash can appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, chest, and genitals.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

The OHA recommends vaccination for people in several groups. This includes those who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners, people who have had a sexually transmitted infection in the past six months, and anyone who has had sex at a commercial sex venue or in connection with a large public event. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are considered at higher risk, as are transgender and nonbinary individuals. People living with HIV or other immune compromising conditions should also get vaccinated if they are in these situations.

Health officials also encourage vaccination for close contacts of someone with mpox, including household members and sexual partners. Health care workers and laboratory personnel who handle mpox specimens or care for infected patients are advised to get the vaccine as well.

Vaccine Recommendations

The JYNNEOS vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, is approved by the FDA for preventing mpox. It is given as two doses injected 28 days apart. The OHA says the vaccine is free for anyone who is eligible, regardless of insurance or immigration status. People can get it at local health departments, community clinics, and some pharmacies. The vaccine is most effective when taken before exposure but can still help if given within 4 days of exposure. It may also reduce symptoms if given within 14 days.

Side effects are generally mild and include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. Serious reactions are rare. The OHA emphasizes that the vaccine does not contain the mpox virus and cannot cause infection.

How to Prevent Spread

Besides vaccination, people can reduce their risk by avoiding close contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like mpox. This includes not sharing bedding, towels, or clothing. Washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol based hand sanitizer is also recommended. People who develop symptoms should isolate away from others, cover their rash, wear a mask, and contact a health care provider for testing.

The OHA notes that mpox is not as contagious as COVID 19 or the flu. It requires sustained close contact to spread. Most people recover on their own within 2 to 4 weeks without needing antiviral treatment. However, severe illness can occur in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for the mpox vaccine?

You likely qualify if you are a man who has sex with men, a transgender or nonbinary person, or anyone with multiple or anonymous sexual partners. Close contacts of confirmed cases and certain health care workers also qualify. The OHA provides a self assessment tool on its website to help you determine eligibility. You can also call your local health department for guidance.

Is the mpox vaccine safe?

Yes. The JYNNEOS vaccine has been used in the United States since 2019 to prevent smallpox and mpox. It is made from a weakened, non replicating virus and cannot cause mpox. Common side effects are mild and temporary. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor vaccine safety.

What should I do if I think I have mpox?

If you develop a new rash or other mpox symptoms, isolate yourself from others and avoid close contact. Contact your health care provider or local health department. They can arrange testing, which involves swabbing the rash. While you wait for results, stay away from people, cover the rash with clothing, wear a mask, and do not share items like bedding or utensils. If you test positive, your health department will guide you on isolation and treatment options.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.