Virginia Department of Health seeing an increase in reported mpox cases | CPT PPP Coverage

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The Virginia Department of Health is “closely monitoring” a recent increase in mpox (formerly known as monkey pox) cases in the state.

Since Jan. 1, 12 mpox cases have been reported to VDH from the state’s central, eastern, northern and northwest health regions, VDH said in a news release.

Of those, four patients required hospitalization, six were co-infected with HIV, and none had been previously vaccinated.

For comparison, there were 12 reported mpox cases in all of 2023, and all were in the Northern Virginia region.

Signs and symptoms of mpox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash that might be painful.

Most people infected with mpox during this ongoing outbreak have been gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, but anyone can get mpox, the release said.

“These recently reported cases demonstrate the continued need for mpox prevention and testing to curb disease transmission,” the release said. “It’s important for everyone to help prevent the spread, especially as we enter into the spring and summer festival season, including Pride celebrations.”

Medical professionals say get vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine if you’re at risk of being exposed to mpox or come into close contact with someone with mpox.

The vaccine protects against mpox infection and can lessen illness severity if you get mpox.

Getting both doses offers the best protection.?It is never too late to start the series or get your second dose if you haven’t already, the release said.

Mpox vaccines are free.

Mpox spreads through close, sustained physical contact, so take steps to protect yourself, whether you are vaccinated or not.

If you are a person who has been informed that you are a close contact with someone with mpox, watch for symptoms of mpox 21 days from the last day of exposure and talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.

When thinking about how to lower the chance of getting mpox at events like raves, parties, clubs and festivals, consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur. Clothing that covers skin allows for better protection at events where there may be higher levels of close contact.

Do not share personal items and avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone with confirmed mpox or a new, unexplained rash.

If you have mpox or symptoms of mpox, talk with your health care provider about getting tested, even if you have been vaccinated. Stay at home and away from other people and animals until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed.