Who is At Risk?
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of mpox in the United States. Cases of Mpox HAVE been reported in Indiana.
Anyone can get mpox, but there has been a high rate of transmission among men who have sex with men. If you are a man who has sex with men, and particularly if you are living with HIV, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of mpox, and take precautions to prevent getting it.
If you think you may have passed mpox on to a partner, you can use TellYourPartner.org to send an anonymous text encouraging them to get tested.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mpox can include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
How to Protect Yourself
Taking the following precautions can help prevent getting mpox:
Avoid close, skin to skin contact with the mpox rash.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of person with mpox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
Do not share eating utensils or cups.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a sick person. Avoid sharing bedding, linens, or clothing with others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people.
A person who has been diagnosed with mpox should isolate at home. If the person has an active rash or other symptoms, they should isolate in a separate room from other family members and pets.
Treatments
There is no specific medication for the mpox virus, but drugs developed for smallpox may be used to treat mpox.
Antiviral medication may also be recommended for people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your doctor, even if you don’t think you have had contact with someone who has mpox.
Vaccines
Find out where you can get vaccinated for Mpox.
Indy Pride
June 8th | 11am – 10pm | Military Park
What to Know about the Mpox Vaccine
The Mpox vaccine is given in 2 doses. The second dose should be given 4 weeks – or 28 days – after the first dose. You have the highest immunity to Mpox 2 weeks after your second dose.
