Disease Outbreak Control Division - Mpox | State of Hawaii - Dept of Health - Disease Outbreak Control Division (Oahu)

(Monkeypox, Disease Outbreak Control Division - Monkeypox) Mpox (Monkeypox) is a contagious disease caused by the mpox virus. There is currently an outbreak of mpox in the U.S. and other countries where the virus is not usually seen. The current mpox situation is evolving quickly and is subject to change. Visit the website for data, vaccination sites, and more information. Mpox (Monkeypox) risk in Hawaii: Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring mpox transmission in the United States and Hawaii. Based on the current information available, the risk to most Hawaiʻi residents remains low. Anyone who had direct skin to skin or prolonged close contact with someone with mpox is at risk of infection— regardless of who they are, what they do, or if they are sexually active. Infection begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. Infection progresses to a rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals. Individuals generally become ill within 21 days of exposure. People may have all of the symptoms or only a few. A person with mpox is infectious when symptoms start to when the rash has fully healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Mpox typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. Many of the same measures that have protected us in the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic also prevent spread of other diseases, including mpox. This includes staying home if you’re sick, washing your hands, and limiting close personal contact with people who have symptoms of mpox. Visit the website listed for additional information and fact sheets. What should I do if I think I have Mpox (Monkeypox)? Individuals who have symptoms consistent with mpox should contact their healthcare provider. Make sure to call ahead and mention that you may have been exposed to mpox. Healthcare providers will work the DOH to to arrange testing and vaccination if appropriate for close contacts to a mpox case. Members of the public should email Department of Health (DOH) and contact your healthcare provider. Please include your name and phone number in the email. Mpox treatment information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/treatment.html DOH is arranging statewide vaccine distribution and administration. DOH will announce when the vaccine becomes more widely available.