NCDHHS Announces Increased Cases Of Mpox Statewide, Urges Vaccination For Protection
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports a statewide increase in mpox cases. Over the past six months, 45 cases have been reported in 12 counties across North Carolina.
The national mpox outbreak began in late May 2022 and peaked from July to August 2022. A total of 703 cases were reported in North Carolina that year, and only nine cases occurred in 2023.
The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily spread by prolonged close contact, typically skin-to-skin, that occurs during sexual activity. It is the associated rash, scabs, or body fluid that contains the virus. Although anyone can become infected with mpox, cases have predominantly occurred among gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.
Fortunately, a safe and effective vaccine is available that reduces the risk of mpox infection, hospitalization, and death. Those who are already fully vaccinated with two doses do not need to receive additional vaccine doses.
“It is important people know how to protect themselves against mpox infection as we have seen cases increasing across North Carolina over recent months,” said Dr. Erica Wilson, medical director for the medical consultation unit in the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. “The JYNNEOS vaccine is an important tool, and North Carolina has an ample vaccine supply.”
Vaccines are currently free and available throughout North Carolina, regardless of immigration status. The two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series is recommended for anyone at risk aged 18 years and older, which includes the following:
- Anyone who has or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners or
- Anyone whose sex partners are eligible per the criterion above or
- People who know or suspect they have been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days or
- Anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for mpox through sex or other intimate contact.
The mpox vaccine locator can be used to find local vaccine providers.
Anyone who develops mpox symptoms should seek medical care. Symptoms include a rash on any part of the body, like the genitals, hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Some people experience flu-like symptoms before the rash, while others get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. In some cases, a rash is the only symptom experienced.
Other mpox symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (i.e., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
People with mpox are usually sick for about two to four weeks and can spread the virus from shortly before symptoms start until their rash is completely healed, meaning until the scabs fall off and new skin appears. Some patients may benefit from antiviral treatment, including those with severe illness or people with HIV that is not well controlled or other immune-compromising conditions. Antiviral treatment may also help treat painful or severe mpox disease involving the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, and anus.
More information about the virus, how to limit the risk of infection, and how to get vaccinated can be found on the North Carolina Mpox and CDC Mpox websites.
