Mpox
Monkeypox (Mpox) in Butte County
On July 18, 2022, Butte County Public Health (BCPH) received lab notification of the first probable case of MPX in a Butte County resident. While the current risk to the general public remains low, BCPH encourages residents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the virus.
MPX is a rare viral infection, related to smallpox. Most cases of MPX resolve on their own and rarely require hospitalization. To date, no deaths in the United States have occurred due to the virus.
To view the number of reported probable and confirmed MPX cases in Butte County, see data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.
Spreading of MPX
Anyone can get MPX. MPX is primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has MPX, including (but, may not be limited to):
- Hugging
- Cuddling
- Massage
- Kissing
- Intimate / sexual contact
MPX can also be spread by:
Sharing materials used by a person who has MPX, including sheets, towels and clothing. Respiratory secretions during prolonged (3 hours or more), face-to-face contact from talking, coughing, sneezing, or breathing. This method of transmission is much less common and typically occurs when living with or caring for someone who has MPX.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
Most people develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer), infected persons can develop a rash that can look like pimples. These may appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals or they may be limited to one part of the body. The illness can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, which can take 2 to 4 weeks.
How to Protect Yourself
- Talk to close physical contacts about their general health, including recent rashes or sores
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX
- Don't share or handle bedding, linens or clothing of a person with MPX
- Wash hands often
If You Have Symptoms or Have Been Exposed
- Stay home, wear a mask around others and cover sores / rash
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others
- Inform any close contacts about your symptoms
- Wash hands often
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately by phone and let them know about your symptoms and / or exposure
MPX Vaccine
BCPH received the county's first allocation of the vaccine on July 14, 2022.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that those who may be at risk for, or seek additional protection from mpox infection, as defined within this guidance, be vaccinated against mpox.
While there is currently adequate vaccine supply, there are no longer "eligibility" criteria, and vaccine providers can offer vaccine to any patients who MAY be at risk, and persons who request vaccination should receive it without having to attest to specific risk factors.
Additional Information about MPX
- Stonewall Chico MPX Information Page
- U.S. MPX 2022 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- MPX in California (California Department of Public Health)
- MPX Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public (California Department of Public Health)