Mpox on the rise: What you need to know to stay safe | CPT PPP Coverage

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Vaccinations are readily available in response to the recent rise in Mpox cases in Mecklenburg County.

Mpox, formally known as monkey pox, is a virus that can spread from person to person via physical contact. Since the outbreak in 2022, the number of reported cases in Mecklenburg has risen to 255. There have been 720 cases confirmed statewide.

Symptoms include fever/chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, exhaustion, and a skin rash that can come up on any part of the body. The rash can be as small as one or two bumps or cover the whole body.

Lesions can look like bumps, warts, pimples, sores, or scabs.

To combat the spread of mpox, Mecklenburg County Public Health is working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to increase the availability of the JYNNEOS vaccine, a two-dose regimen that reduces the risk of infection and lessens the severity of mpox symptoms.

Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington said many of the cases have been among people who are sexually active.

“Right now, we are focused on those at higher risks because of sexual behaviors,” he said. “That would include people with multiple sexual partners, anonymous sexual partners, and people engaged in those activities.”

The JYNNEOS vaccine isn’t for everyone.

“We are not recommending the vaccination for all residents right now,” Washington said. “We are specifically focused on those at higher risk of contracting mpox.”

If you or someone you know has the virus, it is advised to report it and stay away from others because it is highly contagious through any form of contact. However, it is a virus that normally goes away on its own.

“One thing to know is that [mpox] is self-limiting,” Washington said. “It will likely resolve itself after a period of time, but it is important to stay away from people and not to come in close contact with others while you are recovering.”

It is imperative to stay away from the elderly and children if you have mpox. Lesions caused by the virus can grow internally, causing people with young or weakened immune systems to get very sick.

Earlier cases of mpox in 2022 started in Mecklenburg County and spread across the state. This is due to a waiting period for a vaccine. Now that one is available, it is encouraged that if you are at high risk and have been sexually active, to get the vaccine.

Vaccines are available at no cost and have been found to be highly effective in lowering the risk of contracting mpox. They are available by walk-in or appointment by calling Mecklenburg County Public Health at (704) 336-6500.
Individuals choosing to come by a clinic without an appointment can do so at:

• Northwest Health Department: 2845 Beatties Ford Road.

• Southeast Health Department: 249 Billingsley Road.

• VCW Community Resource Center: 3205 Freedom Drive.

• Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center: 430 Stitt Road.

Business hours for the health department are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“I encourage folks, particularly those that fall into the higher risk category to come into a clinic and get vaccinated,” Washington said.

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