(ITHACA, NY, August 26, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community to a rise in mpox cases, including a newly identified strain. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency regarding a new outbreak of mpox, originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). With international travel to our region increasing during this time of the year, it is essential that we take a proactive stance at preventing mpox cases in Tompkins County.
While there are no cases of the new strain of mpoxreported in our region at this time, 26 new cases of the original strain of mpox have been reported in NYC over the past month. Mpox is still circulating, and vaccination is recommended as our best tool to prevent risk.
The vaccine for mpox, JYNNEOS, is effective for the new outbreak and remains effective against the original strain of the virus as well. The vaccine is approved for those ages 18 and older.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Persons at risk of getting infected should get vaccinated now.
- If you have already gotten one dose of the vaccine, get the 2nd dose at least four weeks later, or as soon as you can if it has been longer than four weeks.
- If you have already had two doses, you are fully vaccinated and protected. No additional vaccination is needed.
JYNNEOS is available at TCWH during our Friday Immunization Clinics at 55 Brown Road (Ithaca).
- Fridays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
- For appointments and information, call Community Health Services at: 607-274-6604.
- JYNNEOS Vaccine can be given to anyone at our clinic, regardless of insurance status.
- To find additional vaccination locations, use the CDC's MPX Vaccine Locator Tool.
Mpox is a virus that is transmitted through close physical contact. This includes:
- Skin-to-skin contact with mpox sores or rashes; or skin contact with dressings, fabrics etc. which have come into contact with skin lesions.
- While mpox can be spread to anyone, anywhere, case trends demonstrate that mpox is spread most frequently among men who have sex with men, a group that includes people who identify as gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary.
- Sexual activity with multiple, casual partners significantly increases risk of infection. For more information on sexual health and mpox, visit this CDC fact sheet.
- Being within 3 feet of an infected person (especially if they are coughing) since respiratory droplets and oral fluids from someone with mpox are contagious.
Symptoms of mpox include:
- Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face which are not clearly due to another known cause.
- Please note that this current strain of mpox has a rash that does not present as it has previously; internet searches for “mpox rashes” may look different; any suspicious new rashes, bumps or blisters should be examined by a healthcare provider.
- Swollen lymph glands.
- Suspicion of mpox is greater if flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue are present as well. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.
Important facts and steps to take to reduce risk:
- Avoid close face-to-face and skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a mpox-related rash or other symptoms.
- Ask your sexual partner(s) whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with mpox and if so, delay sex until they are evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- If you are exposed or experience symptoms, make sure to reach out to a healthcare provider and avoid having sexual contact until your health has been evaluated.
- Reduce or avoid activities that may increase your exposure to mpox, especially when traveling to a region, state, or country where mpox is present.
- Know that the disease is contagious from the onset of symptoms or rash until the scabs of the rash have dried up and fallen off and the skin is healing well underneath.
- It may take 21 days from exposure until one develops signs of the infection.
- Refer to the CDC's guide to Safer Sex and Social Gatherings.
If you are concerned about your risk or that you may be experiencing symptoms, your healthcare provider can perform a risk-assessment and identify the appropriate steps to take, including testing. Testing includes swabbing a lesion and submitting to a laboratory for analysis. Healthcare providers, including sexual health clinics and urgent care centers, can perform and order this test. Individuals must isolate while awaiting their test results.
TCWH urges local healthcare providers who suspect mpox to call TCWH at 607-274-6604 to speak with a communicable disease nurse for additional guidance.
Treatments are available for those who meet criteria and are infected with mpox, including antiviral medication. Anyone who does not currently have a healthcare provider or who is uninsured and seeking a local provider should dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667).
For additional information, visit our webpage: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/mpox.
Tompkins County Whole Health envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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