Virginia – The Virginia Department of Health reported a recent increase in mpox cases in Virginia.
According to VDH, since January 1, 12 mpox cases have been reported to VDH from the Central, Eastern, Northern and Northwestern health regions, with four requiring hospitalization and six co-infected with HIV. None of the patients had been previously vaccinated.
Health officials said 12 mpox cases were reported in 2023, all originating from the Northern Health Region.
Signs and symptoms of Mpox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and a new, unexplained rash that can be painful.
VDH offered the following tips to protect yourself.
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Mpox is transmitted through continued close physical contact, so take steps to protect yourself whether you've been vaccinated or not. If you are a person who has been informed of a close contact with someone infected with M.P.O.X., he or she should be on the lookout for M.P.O.X symptoms for 21 days from the last day of infection and consult his or her health care provider about vaccination. please.
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If you have mpox or symptoms of mpox, talk to your health care provider about getting tested, even if you've been vaccinated. Stay home and away from other people and animals until the chickenpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
Learn more about mpox here. In addition, the VDH call center is staffed with operators available to answer questions about mpox disease, vaccination, and treatment options. For assistance in English, Spanish, and over 100 other languages, call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TTY users can dial his 7-1-1.
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