MPXV (Monkeypox)
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MPXV (Monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPXV virus and is related to the smallpox virus. While generally less severe and much less contagious than smallpox, MPXV can be a serious illness. It spreads from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus but primarily through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with people who have MPXV symptoms, such as rash and sores.

Monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, hugging, massaging, and cuddling. Monkeypox can spread through touching materials used by a person with monkeypox that haven’t been cleaned, such as clothing and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions (talking, coughing, sneezing, breathing) during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact.

MPXV can be spread through: 

What are the signs and symptoms of MPXV?
MPXV might start with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores. The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy.

The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, and face. They may also be limited to one part of the body.

People with MPXV may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most people with MPXV will get the rash or sores. Some people have reported developing the rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms.

When is MPXV contagious?
MPXV symptoms usually start within 2 weeks (but can be up to 3 weeks) after exposure to the virus. Usually, people are only thought to be contagious (infectious) when they have symptoms, and until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks. Researchers are still trying to understand if the virus can spread from someone who has no symptoms.

How is MPXV prevented? 
There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of MPXV, including:

• Always talk to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus
• Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
• Avoiding contact with infected animals and materials contaminated with the virus
• Isolation of infected persons until their symptoms, including rash, have gone away completely
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
• Practicing good hand hygiene

What should someone do if they are exposed to MPXV or have symptoms? 

Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible and let them know you have symptoms or have been exposed to MPXV. Healthcare providers can provide testing and care for people who are diagnosed with MPXV.

Healthcare providers and local health departments may also recommend a vaccine for those who are exposed to help prevent infection or decrease the seriousness of the illness.

Additionally, the person should clean and disinfect surfaces such as counters, toilet seats, faucets, using an EPA-registered disinfectant (such as List Q) after using a shared space. This may include during activities like showering, using the toilet, or changing bandages that cover the rash. Consider disposable glove use while cleaning if rash is present on the hands.

Hand Hygiene, Source Control, and Personal Protective Equipment

• Hand hygiene – the use of an alcohol-based hand rub or hand washing with soap and water – should be performed by people with MPXV and household contacts after touching rash material, clothing, linens, or environmental surfaces that may have had contact with rash material.
• Cover all skin rashes to the extent possible by wearing long sleeves or long pants. Gloves can be considered for covering rash on the hands when not in isolation such as when receiving medical care.
• People with MPXV should use well-fitting source control (e.g., medical mask), if close contact with others cannot be avoided, such as when receiving medical care.
• Other household members should wear a respirator or a well-fitting mask when in close contact (e.g., within 6 feet) with the person with MPXV for more than a brief encounter.
• When possible, the person with MPXV should change their own bandages and handle contaminated linens while wearing disposable gloves, followed by immediate handwashing after removing gloves.
  • As a last resort, if assistance is needed with these activities, a household member should avoid extensive contact and wear, at a minimum, disposable medical gloves, and a well-fitting mask or respirator. Any clothing that contacts the rash during dressing changes should be immediately laundered. Gloves should be disposed of after use, followed by handwashing.

Contain and dispose of contaminated waste, such as dressings, bandages, or disposable gloves. See Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings.

Vaccines

MPXV vaccines will now be administered intradermally. This strategy involves injecting a smaller dose of vaccine intradermally, or in the upper layer of the skin. The strategy, called dose sparing, could turn a one-dose vial of the vaccine into up to five separate doses.

It is critical to note that while this approach will extend the U.S. supply of JYNNEOS, vaccinated individuals will not receive “partial” doses.  They will receive a full dose of vaccine for intradermal administration producing a similar level of immunologic response as a full dose for subcutaneous administration.  Equally important to note is that protection conferred by the JYNNEOS vaccine requires two doses given 28 days apart – whether administered via the subcutaneous or intradermal routes. At this time, anyone age 18 and older who is eligible for the vaccine can receive an intradermal dose. This method will expand access to vaccines, thus slowing and preventing the spread. For more information, visit U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

 

LA COUNTY: Consent for Minors:

• Currently, a consent form is required for all minors aged 6 months through 17 at each visit.
• Youth 16 and 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parent. or legal guardian if possible. If this is not possible, they must bring a consent form signed by their parent or legal guardian.
• Children ages 6 months through 15 years must be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or a responsible adult. If the child is accompanied by a responsible adult, the consent form must name the responsible person and be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
• Click HERE to visit the LA County Vaccine portal.