CALDWELL, Idaho — Mpox, formerly Monkeypox, has been reported for the first time in Canyon County, per Southwest District Health (SWDH).
There is a small outbreak in Ada County, as previously reported by KTVB. The Canyon County case is currently being investigated, and epidemiologists have not been able to determine the source of the exposure yet. The case was detected mid-November and this is the first case in SWDH's jurisdiction.
According to SWDH, mpox can be mild to severe, and most people with mild mpox can recover on their own. Antivirals are available for patients who might have severe disease, or have other conditions that increase their risk of severe disease.
If you are exposed to mpox, your close contacts should be monitored for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure. If symptoms develop, individuals should isolate and call SWDH for further guidance. People who do not develop symptoms can continue routine daily activities.
SWDH recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox or might be exposed. SWDH is able to provide the JYNNEOS vaccine to those who are looking to get vaccinated or have been recently exposed. You can call Southwest District Health at 208-455-5300 to schedule an appointment.
Per the news release, here is some information provided by SWDH regarding mpox:
How is mpox spread?
Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with mpox. SWDH believes this is currently the most common way that mpox is spreading in the U.S.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms* of concern include:
- Fever ≥100.4°F (38°C)
- Chills
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- New skin rash - Rash may look like pimples or blisters.
*Fever and rash occur in nearly all people infected with mpox virus.
How to prevent mpox?
Take the following steps to prevent mpox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
What to do if you have symptoms of mpox?
SWDH asks anyone who is experiencing an unexplained skin rash with, or without, a fever to contact their doctor and avoid contact with others. If possible, call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. If you are not able to call ahead, tell a staff member as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about mpox, said the release.
Tell your doctor if in the month before developing symptoms:
- You had contact with a person who might have had mpox.
- You were in an area where mpox has been reported, which is currently Europe, North America, South America and Australia. Other areas where mpox are more commonly found are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.
Per SWDH, anyone suffering from these symptoms, or may have been exposed to mpox, is encouraged to follow advice from SWDH and their healthcare provider to help prevent the spread of mpox to our community.
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