MPOX INFORMATION
MPOX UPDATE
There are currently no confirmed MPOX cases in New Canaan.
MPOX is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. MPOX symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal. MPOX is not related to chickenpox. (CDC, 2022)
People who are at risk, want to be vaccinated, or have questions should contact the Center for Key Populations at (860) 347-6971 ext. 3900.
Symptoms of MPOX can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears 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 2-4 weeks.
Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin to skin contact with the monkeypox rash.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of person with monkeypox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a sick person.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people.
- In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
A person who is sick with MPOX should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets when possible.
Vaccination
CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination against monkeypox at this time.
You are eligible to be vaccinated if you are residing, attending school, or stationed in Connecticut and meet one of the following:
- You had close personal contact in the past 14 days with a positive case of MPOX (this may include sexual partners, household contacts, and healthcare workers); OR
- You meet the following criteria:
- Know that a sexual partner in the past 14 days was diagnosed with MPOX OR
- Had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in a jurisdiction (e.g., city/state/country) with known MPOX.
MONKEYPOX FACT SHEET
MONKEYPOX SAFER SEX FACT SHEET (CDC)
MONKEYPOX VACCINE DPH FACT SHEET
MONKEYPOX 101 DPH FACT SHEET
MONKEY POX DPH WEBINAR
CDC MONKEY POX FACT SHEET FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS
