EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the community.
The two men, both in their 40s, live together and are currently recuperating at home.
Public health officials have begun contact tracing efforts.
Mpox remains a global health threat and we urge everyone at risk to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their families.” County Health Officer Dr. Hector Ocaranza said. “This includes protecting our most vulnerable community members not only from Mpox, but also from other diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza.
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads between people through close personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted to humans from certain animals. It is characterized by a distinctive painful and itchy rash that appears on various parts of the body and progresses through several stages, including scabbing, before healing.
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Symptoms of Mpox include:
- characteristic rash
- heat
- cold
- swollen lymph nodes
- Exhausted
- muscle pain and back pain
- headache
Symptoms usually begin within three weeks after exposure. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience all symptoms.
How Mpox spreads:
- Through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Through intimate physical contact such as kissing or sexual intercourse
- Due to contact with infected wild animals through scratches, bites, or handling of infected animal products
A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash completely heals and new skin forms. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that may be caused by Mpox.
- Mpox Avoid touching objects and surfaces used by patients
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water
The City currently has approximately 200 vaccines available to at-risk individuals and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, with more on the way to meet the needs of the community. is required.
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