In a press release from Courtney Meece, community manager with Rowan County Public Health, she shared about the ongoing outbreak of Mpox in central Africa and the importance of vaccinations for those in the county and state who are at high-risk to protect against possible spread.

The release stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak in central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This decision comes as cases of the Clade I Mpox virus, which is more contagious and severe, continue to spread beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into neighboring countries and even as far as Sweden.

While global outbreak continues, North Carolina health officials stress the importance of vaccination for high-risk populations to protect against possible spread.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was changed by WHO to Mpox following a one-year transition period, as was noted in a 2022 new release published online by World Health Organization.

The release said that “when the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatizing language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO. In several meetings, public and private, a number of individuals and countries raised concerns and asked WHO to propose a way forward to change the name.”

In the initial naming of the disease, the release also said that “human monkeypox was given its name in 1970 (after the virus that causes the disease was discovered in captive monkeys in 1958), before the publication of WHO best practices in naming diseases, published in 2015.” 

About Mpox and its risks

Mpox is caused by a virus related to smallpox, leading to symptoms such as:

• Rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face or mouth or near the genitals that initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful.
• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Exhaustion
• Muscle aches and backache 
• Headache 
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

The virus spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, respiratory droplets or contaminated objects. While rare, reinfection is possible but tends to be less severe. Vaccination remains a key strategy in controlling the spread.

Since the start of the Mpox outbreak in 2022, there have been 789 confirmed Mpox cases throughout North Carolina. Of those total confirmed cases, 96 percent were male and 67 percent were Black or African American. Rowan County has seen less than 10 cases making the risk to Rowan County residents very low.

Who should get vaccinated?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Mpox vaccine for individuals who are at higher risk of exposure, including:

• Those with known or suspected exposure to Mpox
• Individuals with a sexual partner diagnosed with Mpox in the past two weeks
• Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, and transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse persons who have had multiple sexual partners or a recent STD diagnosis
• People who have participated in sex at commercial venues or large gatherings where Mpox is spreading
• Healthcare workers or laboratory staff at risk of exposure to Ortho poxviruses

Where to get vaccinated In North Carolina

Mpox vaccines are available at health departments, public health clinics, hospitals and some pharmacies. Contact your local health department to find a vaccination site or visit https://tinyurl.com/findmpoxvaccine to find vaccines near you. 

Stay protected

Vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing the spread of Mpox. Rowan County Public Health encourages those at high-risk to complete the JYNNEOS vaccine series and all individuals to remain vigilant in avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of Mpox or other contagious illnesses.

Individuals who are not considered high risk should continue to monitor the Mpox outbreak but are not recommended to receive the vaccine.

Recommendations for the general population

For those who do not fall into the high-risk categories but are concerned about Mpox, the following recommendations may be considered:

• Stay informed: Keep track of local and national health updates from reliable sources such as the CDC and Rowan County Health Department.
• Maintain good hygiene practices: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Stay educated: Learn about and adhere to preventive measures such as avoiding contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or materials.
• Health precautions: Stay home if you are feeling unwell and seek medical advice if you develop symptoms consistent with Mpox.
• Support community health: Follow local guidance and adhere to any additional recommendations or guidelines issued by local health authorities to support community health efforts.