Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases have been confirmed in Boone County, however, the overall risk to the public remains low as mpox does not spread as easily as other viruses.

 

The following groups are currently recommended for mpox vaccination.

  • Gay, bisexual, another identifier of men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender, or nonbinary and in the past 6 months have had more than one sex partner.
  • Gay, bisexual, another identifier of men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender, or nonbinary and in the past 6 months have received a new diagnosis of a nationally reportable sexually transmitted disease (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
  • Had a sex partner, or personal/intimate skin-to-skin contact in the past 14 days with someone who received a mpox diagnosis.
  • Engaged in sex in a social and/or sexual venue in the past 6 months such as a bar, party, sex shop, adult theatre, darkroom, or engaged in cruising or anonymous sex.
  • In the past 6 months have had sex at a commercial sex venue or in association with an event, venue, or defined geographic area where mpox transmission has been reported. This includes sex within kink or fetish groups, or sex while traveling for an event such as a concert, sporting event, festival, or other community event such as a pride event, or engaged in sex work.
  • Have a partner who in the last six months has experienced any of the above risks.
  • Anticipate potentially experiencing any of the above risks.

When a positive case is identified, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services works closely with the individual to identify any close contacts and offer them education and vaccination.

Mpox can spread from person to person through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. It also can be spread during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.

Anyone in close personal contact with a person with mpox can contract it and should take steps to protect themselves. To prevent the spread of mpox, avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox. Additionally, avoid contact with objects and materials such as towels and bedding that a person with mpox has used.

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Symptoms of mpox can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.
    • The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Mpox is rarely fatal. Anyone with symptoms of mpox should contact their health care provider for testing.

Learn more about mpox signs and symptoms

Mpox Vaccination Opportunities

In addition to community clinics, the mpox vaccine can be made by calling our clinic at our building and arranging an appointment:  573.874.7249 

Location Date Time Notes

No other mpox education events are scheduled at this time.