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.

MPX Case Data

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 vaccine supply is currently limited. Therefore, BCPH will work closely with local healthcare providers to identify persons who may be high risk and will identify close contacts of confirmed cases to determine their vaccine eligibility.

Additional Information about MPX