S2 Ep4: Monkeypox (hMPXV) Update

As of July 27, 2022, Oregon reported 53 hMPXV cases since June 16, part of a global outbreak affecting 65 countries. CDC urges healthcare providers to watch for rash illnesses consistent with hMPXV, regardless of patient history. While anyone can be affected, the current outbreak largely impacts gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so OHA prioritizes empowering the LGBTQIA+ community with information, testing, prevention, and treatment.

hMPXV spreads person-to-person through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact, contact with lesion fluid, or large respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed in 1-3 days by a rash (flat patches to fluid-filled bumps, then scabs) lasting 2-4 weeks. Symptoms appear 5-21 days post-exposure (usually 7-14). Transmission is possible from symptom onset until rash resolution, but it's not easily caught, typically requiring prolonged, close contact. Sexual partners, family members, and healthcare workers of an infected person are at higher risk.

If you suspect hMPXV, contact your healthcare provider or local public health authority. If going to an ER or urgent care, inform staff about your concern; they'll ask you to wear a mask and cover rashes.

For accessibility needs (disabilities, non-English speakers), OHA provides alternate formats. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or [e-mail].