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Mpox Information
Mpox vaccine is recommended for anyone who thinks they may be at risk or anyone who has been exposed. Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. The vaccine protects against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Get vaccinated with both doses of the vaccine for the best protection.
Learn more at:
Mpox Vaccination Basics | CDC
33030 Van Born Road, Wayne MI
Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri from 8:00AM- 4:30PM (closed 11:30 - 12:30 for lunch)
Wednesdays 11AM - 7:30PM (closed from 2:30 - 3:30 for lunch)
For more information contact the Outbreak Response Line at 734-858-1922
What is mpox?
Mpox (also known as "monkeypox") is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids or Mpox lesions/rash.
Since early May 2022, cases of mpox have been reported from countries that do not normally have mpox, including the United States. While the level of mpox with this outbreak is higher than we normally see, the risk to the general population continues to be low. The mpox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate or physical contact with someone who has mpox. While anyone can get mpox, many of those affected in the current outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.
How is mpox spread?
Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with mpox rash or scabs from a person with mpox, as well as contact with their saliva, upper respiratory secretions (snot, mucus), and genital and anal areas.
- The risk is considered low for getting mpox by touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and not disinfected.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals or anal area. It can take 3-17 days to develop symptoms after an exposure.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms
- Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
- Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
- Others only experience a rash.
A person with mpox typically can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.
Is there a treatment for mpox?
Although there are no treatments approved specifically for mpox, antiviral drugs approved for smallpox may help to treat mpox because the viruses that cause mpox and smallpox are similar. Most cases resolve on their own without treatment.
The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX) has been used to treat mpox in people with severe mpox illness or who are likely to get severely ill (those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV, or who have skin conditions like eczema). This includes cases where the rash has spread to sensitive regions like the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, and anal area.
Learn more about treatment:
Patient's Guide to Mpox Treatment with Tecovirimat (TPOXX) | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDCHow can mpox be prevented?
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox. This includes avoiding:
- Touching the rash or scabs of person with mpox.
- Kissing, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
- Sharing eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
- Handling or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
- Isolate infected people from others who could be at risk for infection.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Get vaccinated if you think you are at risk!
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for sick people.
Learn more about how you can lower your risk of getting mpox during sex or at a social gathering
What to do if you have a new, unexplained rash or other mpox symptoms?
See your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.
Mpox testing and vaccination is also available at the Wayne County Public Health Division Clinic. Information below.
Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out.
What should I do if I'm diagnosed with mpox?
Follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of your healthcare provider. Avoid close contact with anyone until all your sores have healed and you have a fresh layer of skin formed.
For more information after an mpox diagnosis go to:If You Are Sick | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
For Healthcare Providers requesting TPOXX contact the Outbreak Response Line at 1-866-610-3885.
Learn more about clinical consideration:
Guidance for Tecovirimat Use | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDCFor more information
Mpox: Social Gatherings: Know Before You Go
Mpox | MDHHSMpox | Poxvirus | CDCFor Mpox Vaccination and Testing:
Wayne County Public Health Division
33030 Van Born Road, Wayne MI
Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri from 8:00AM- 4:30PM (closed from 11:30 to 12:30 for lunch)
Wednesdays 11:00AM - 7:30PM (closed from 2:30 - 3:30 for lunch)
Clinic Phone Number: 734-727-7101
