MPOX INFORMATION: Baltimore City Health Department is monitoring Mpox activity in the United States closely.

TESTING: Individuals who are concerned they may have Mpox (Orthopox Virus) should call their provider for testing. If they do not have a primary care provider, they can make an appointment at the BCHD Sexual Health and Wellness Clinics for Mpox testing. For information on where to get tested for Mpox, visit the website: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/monkeypox.

VACCINATION: BCHD is offering free Mpox JYNNEOS Vaccine at sexual health clinics. Walk in or schedule an appointment by phone.  Baltimore City Health Department is also partnering with Baltimore City clinics to distribute JYNNEOS vaccine. At this time, the clinics are providing vaccine to eligible patients enrolled in the clinics. If an individual has a provider at these clinics, please call  inquire about Mpox vaccine.

For more information on vaccination for mpox in Baltimore City, visit https://health.baltimorecity.gov/monkeypox/monkeypox-vaccination-baltimore-city

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Monkeypox: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/mpxfaq

Mpox is a rare but serious illness caused by infection with the mpox virus. The virus spreads through close, personal, or skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox, through touching rashes, sores, body fluids, or scabs by hugging, kissing, touching, intimate or sexual contact; contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been contaminated by fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, linens, towels); through respiratory droplets or saliva entering the eyes or mouth following prolonged face-to-face contact, like talking closely with someone. Symptoms of monkeypox usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can range from 5-21 days.The initial symptoms of mpox are usually: Fever, chills, body/muscle/headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue; 1 to 3 days after fever a rash appears, sometimes on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face. Sores and rash may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus. If a person was infected during sexual contact, the rash might only be on the genitals. If a person was infected through anal sex, they may develop anal or rectal irritation. The rash will go through several stages. The sores often begin as small, red bumps, which become fluid-filled pustules that eventually scab over and fall off. Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms, and some only experience a rash or sores without other symptoms. Symptoms usually last 2-4 weeks. People with symptoms should stay isolated the entire time they have symptoms. The illness is over when all pustules have scabbed over and fallen off, and new skin is present. People are contagious the entire time they have symptoms.

Because mpox can be spread via skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, it is important to avoid close, intimate, or sexual contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms or a rash. Condoms will not prevent mpox. Avoid contact with people that have symptoms or are confirmed to have the virus, as well as materials they may have touched, Wear a facemask around others, wash hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer

If someone starts experiencing symptoms, the most important step they can take is to stay home and isolate from other people in the household. They should be alert for the appearance of new rashes characterized by sores, bumps, or fluid-filled bumps, and people should seek medical evaluation if they develop such a rash. Before their visit, individuals should notify their healthcare provider that they are concerned about mpox, and whether they recently had close contact with a person who had a similar rash or a person who has been diagnosed with mpox. If someone has upcoming international travel, make an appointment at a travel clinic to see if any vaccinations are needed.

Mpox information for health care providers is available here: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/mpxprovider

For more information on mpox, visit https://health.baltimorecity.gov/monkeypox