May 17, 2023. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Residents in Washoe County are advised that an increase in mpox cases is possible, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

There have been 21 mpox cases reported in Washoe County, the first being reported on July 21, 2022 and the last Oct. 19, 2022; however, the CDC says a resurgence of mpox cases is possible as people travel and gather for festivals and other events this spring and summer.

Mpox is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI); however, it can be spread through physical contact during sex. Anyone can get mpox.

The JYNNEOS vaccine remains the best prevention measure. Vaccine appointments are available by calling 775-954-4746 or emailing mpox@washoecounty.gov.

The CDC only recommends the vaccine for people with a higher potential for exposure to mpox, which include:

• People who had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
• People who had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox.
• Gay, bisexual, and other MSM, and transgender or nonbinary people (including adolescents who fall into any of these categories) who, in the past 6 months, have had:
  • A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
  • More than one sex partner
• People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months.
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue
  • Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
  • Sex in exchange for money or other items
• People who are sex partners of people with the above risks.
• People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.
• People with HIV infection or other causes of immunosuppression who have had recent or anticipate potential mpox exposure.
• People who work in settings where they may be exposed to mpox.
  • People who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory.

Signs and symptoms of mpox

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus.  Learn more about signs and symptoms here.

Prevention

According to the CDC, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current mpox outbreak; however, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has mpox is at risk.

Here are some ways to prevention transmission:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox (See photos here).
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
  • Do not share eating utensils, cups with a person with mpox
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with mpox
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Get vaccinated.

For Pets

It is possible that people with mpox can spread the virus to animals through close contact. Learn more here.

For Physicians

Extensive risk assessment should not be conducted in people who request vaccination to avoid the barriers created by the stigma experienced by many who could benefit from vaccination. For questions, please call 775-328-2447

For more information about mpox in Washoe County, go to the Health District website, www.washoecounty.gov/mpox. For questions, email mpox@washoecounty.gov or call 775-954-4746. Follow WCHD on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for other updates.

The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here