Mpox is a rare but potentially serious disease that is caused by the mpox virus. Mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus. Mpox virus is usually found in Central and West Africa and normally does not spread in the United States. However, occasional outbreaks of mpox can occur in the United States.

If you are interested in the Mpox vaccine, please contact us at 920-459-0321 or public.health@sheboygancounty.com

Informational Websites:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mpox Page

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Mpox Page

Fact Sheets:

Mpox Virus

Mpox: What Everyone Needs to Know to Prevent the Spread

Mpox Symptom Monitoring

DHS Mpox Toolkit for Colleges and Universities

DHS Mpox Toolkit for School and Early Care
and Education Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a vaccine available?

Two smallpox vaccines licensed by the FDA are available to prevent Mpox: JYNNEOS, also known as Imvamune or Imvanex, and ACAM2000.

Click here for up to date vaccine eligibility

If you think you are eligible for the Mpox vaccine, please contact us at 920-459-0321, or public.health@sheboygancounty.com

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?

Providers cannot charge a patient a fee for the vaccine itself. However, providers may charge the patient an administration fee or seek appropriate reimbursement from the program or plan that covers administration fee for the Mpox vaccine, such as private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. Providers must administer JYNNEOS or ACAM2000 vaccine at no cost to the recipient regardless of the vaccine patient's ability to pay administration fees.  

What is Monkeypox?

Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness. The Mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but are less severe. It is also less transmissible than smallpox and rarely fatal. Since May 14, 2022, Mpox has been spreading from person to person in countries where the virus is usually not found, including the United States.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Mpox is typically characterized by a new, unexplained rash that develops into characteristic hard, round, fluid- or pus-filled skin lesions. Other early symptoms include:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Headache

 The Mpox rash develops within one to three days after fever. However, some people may experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms. Some people may also only develop a rash.

Is Mpox deadly?

The type of Mpox virus currently spreading is rarely fatal. It is estimated that over 99% of people who become infected with this type of Mpox virus will survive. However, people with a weakened immune system, history of eczema, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children under 8 years old may be at a higher risk for experiencing severe disease and death.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

It is important for anyone experiencing a new, unexplained rash to notify a doctor. If possible, call ahead before going to a health care facility and notify them that you are concerned about Mpox. If you have Mpox symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider, ask about getting tested for Mpox, isolate at home, and avoid close physical contact until a health care provider can examine you.

If you need assistance finding a free or low-cost health care provider, you are encouraged to call 211 or visit https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/ for support.

What should I do if I test positive for Mpox?

If you test positive for Mpox, stay isolated away from others and avoid intimate contact (kissing, touching, any kind of sex) while you are sick. Stay home until any rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

How can I prevent Mpox?

Most people with Mpox report having prolonged close contact with someone with Mpox. Mpox is unlikely to spread through the air over long distances because the virus is not known to linger in the air. To protect yourself from Mpox, take the following actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Ask your sexual partner(s) if they have a rash or other monkeypox related symptoms.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact, including sex and intimate contact, with someone who has a rash or other symptoms.
• Consider how much close, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur at the event you plan to attend.
• Do not share objects like bedding, towels, clothing, or utensils with someone with Mpox.

Is Mpox contagious?

Mpox does not spread easily from person to person. People must have close sustained contact with an infected person to get the virus. Mpox can spread through:

• Respiratory or oral secretions
• Close physical contact
• Touching sores or body fluids
• Touching personal belongings that have had contact with sores.

If you are attending a large event or festival, consider how much close, personal, skin to skin contact is likely to occur to help prevent the spread of Mpox. Mpox can also spread to people from animals through bites, scratches, preparation of meat, or use of a product from an infected animal.

What should I do if I had contact with someone who has Mpox?

If you were exposed to Mpox, monitor for symptoms for 21 days after your date of last exposure. It is important to check your temperature two times per day during your monitoring period. If symptoms begin, contact a doctor immediately and isolate away from others. You can continue daily activities, like going to work or school, if you do not develop any new symptoms.

If your partner has Mpox, avoid sex or being intimate until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Remember to wash any bedding, towels, or clothing that have had contact with the infectious rash or body fluids. Standard household cleaning products and EPA-registered disinfectants should be used to wash any surfaces that have been touched by someone with Mpox.

How is Mpox treated?

Most people who have Mpox recover without needing treatment within 2-4 weeks. While there is no specific treatment for Mpox, antiviral medications that have been used to treat smallpox can also be used. People who have been exposed to someone with monkeypox may receive a vaccine depending on their level of exposure to prevent the onset of disease.

Can my pet get Mpox?

The CDC does not believe that Mpox poses a high risk to pets. However, Mpox is zoonotic, which means it can spread between animals and people. People with monkeypox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent the spread of the virus. 

If you have pets, learn more about what do if you or someone in your home has Mpox.

12/27/2023