MPOX Virus

As news continues to spread about the outbreak of MPOX virus across the U.S., we know that some people in our community will have concerns. This page is intended to provide an overview of what the MPOX virus is, what to watch for, how to protect yourself and when to seek help. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is tracking the incidence of MPOX statewide, and we know there have been cases of MPOX in Weld County. 

It’s important to note that MPV can be acquired by all people. 

• About MPOX

  While most cases of MPOX, particularly in the current outbreak, are not severe, MPOX is nothing to ignore. It causes painful, pus-filled blisters and lesions on the skin, along with fever and swollen lymph nodes in the early stages of infection and can be serious for people who get sick.  

  Illness can last from a few days to a month. This means an individual may be advised to isolate for weeks to avoid spreading it, which could disrupt work and school. 

  Learn more about the MPOX Vrus from CDC 

• Signs and Symptoms
  • Most people with MPOX will get a rash that will go through several stages, starting with pus-filled blisters and lesions and then scabs before healing.  

  • Other symptoms could include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches and backache, headache or respiratory symptoms. Some people may experience all or only a few symptoms. 
  • MPOX symptoms start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.  
  • The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks and it can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.  

  Read more about Signs and Symptoms from CDC (this page includes photos of the MPOX rash for reference)  

• How it Spreads

  MPOX spreads through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including: 

  • Direct contact with MPOX rash, scabs or body fluids from a person with MPOX
  • Contact with respiratory secretions (mucus and saliva expelled when a person coughs or sneezes) during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex 
  • Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding or towels) and surfaces that someone with MPOX has used 

  MPOX is not considered an airborne disease. Brief interactions with an infected person without physical contact (such as might occur in a classroom situation) are unlikely to result in virus transmission.   

  Read more about How it Spreads from CDC 

• Prevention
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPOX. 
  • Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with MPOX has used. This includes eating utensils, cups, bedding, towels and clothing. 

  • If you share a living space with someone and you or a roommate has MPOX, read more about Preventing the Spread to Others. 

  • Wash your hands often. 

  MPOX and sexual health 

  • MPOX is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it is often transmitted through close, sustained, physical contact, which can include sexual contact.  The CDC provides guidance for sexually active individuals to lower their risk of getting or transmitting MPOX. 

  MPOX vaccine 

  • In the U.S., there are two vaccines that may be used to prevent MPOX, Jynneos and ACAM2000. Following CDC guidance regarding who should get vaccinated, the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Weld County Health Department are distributing the vaccine  to priority groups as it becomes available.
  • Until more vaccine is available, and because it's not known how effective these vaccines will be in the current outbreak, the CDC recommends that individuals should continue to protect themselves from infection by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has MPOX.

  Read more about MPOX Prevention Steps from CDC 

• Treatment

  There are no treatments specifically for MPOX virus infections, but there may be some antiviral options recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like individuals with weakened immune systems. For now, most medical response to the virus is managing pain and treating symptoms. 

  Read more about MPOX Treatment from CDC 

• When to Seek Help

  If you are symptomatic: 

  • If you have symptoms of MPOX and would like to be tested, UNC’s Student Health Center can help. MPOX can look like syphilis, herpes, blisters, or even acne, so be sure to get checked out if you develop a new rash or bumps. Please call before coming to the SHC for instructions, (970) 351-2412. You can also contact your medical provider. 

  • Review signs and symptoms of MPOX from the CDC. This link includes several images of what the rash may look like. 

  If you think you have been exposed: 

  • If you think you have been exposed to MPOX and do not yet have symptoms, contact the Weld County Health Department at (970) 304-6420. 
• If You are Sick with MPOX

  If you test positive for MPOX, you will be contacted by public health officials and provided instructions for how to take care of yourself and help prevent transmission to others. This may include isolating yourself at home until your symptoms are gone and your rash has healed. The local public health department will determine what’s appropriate for your situation. 

  Read more about what to do if you are Sick with MPOX from CDC