UPDATED AUGUST 25, 2022
Monkeypox Situation
As of today, there are 144 cases of Monkeypox (MPX) in Ohio and in the US 16,603 (up from 14,115 last week). There are more than 30 confirmed cases in Columbus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared MPV a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) at the end of July and the US made MPX a public health emergency in early August. For an up-to-date map and case count, visit the CDC situational summary page.
At FCPH, we continue to support the MPX vaccine clinics that are being held at Columbus Public Health. Visit Columbus Public Health’s webpage to learn more about Monkeypox clinics.
About Monkeypox (MPX Virus
Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. MPX spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.
MPX can spread during intimate contact between people. MPX is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be spread through sex and other close contact activities. Anyone can get MPX.
Symptoms:
MPX is a viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash. Cases recently identified across the country appear less likely to have the initial symptoms of flu-like illness or lymph node swelling and the rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, may also stay contained to a particular part of the body.
Am I at risk?
Risk to the general public is low, but you should seek medical care right away if you develop an unexplained rash that looks like MPX, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has MPX.
People at higher risk include those who:
- Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like MPX or someone who was diagnosed with MPX
- Had skin-to-skin contact with someone experiencing MPX activity
- Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of MPX
- Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)
- Anyone can get MPX, but currently the outbreak is concentrated among men who have sex with men
More information:
Visit the CDC for more information and to see visual examples for MPX rash. You can also visit the WHO’s webpage.
Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health are partnering on Monkeypox vaccine clinics. Learn more about Monkeypox vaccines and clinics on Columbus Public Health’s webpage. You can also download our Monkeypox Fact Sheet.