CDH Confirms Local Transmission of Mpox in Ada County

BOISE, Nov. 21, 2023 – Central District Health has confirmed local transmission of the mpox virus in Ada County.

Since the two first cases of mpox in Idaho this year were confirmed on Nov. 2, four additional residents in Ada County have been diagnosed with mpox. Investigation is ongoing, but three of these new patients reported no recent travel. One additional case has been detected in Canyon County.

Local and state public health officials are working with the patients to make sure any potential close contacts are identified and notified of exposure risk, and the patients are treated by their healthcare provides as needed. 

“To reduce the likelihood of more mpox in the Valley, people can cover any new bumps or sores before prolonged contact with others, use condoms during intimate activities, and get vaccinated if they haven’t already,” said Central District Health Staff Epidemiologist Sarah Wright. “Anyone who has symptoms they think might be mpox should contact a healthcare provider to get tested.”

 
Mpox, which was previously called monkeypox, is caused by a virus that can spread through prolonged direct contact with someone with mpox or, very rarely, touching things like bedding or towels contaminated with the virus. Infection usually causes a rash that can look like pimples at first and then like blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain places, such as the face, hands, or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals, or anus.
 
Some people can also have flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache, and tiredness. Someone with mpox might have all or only a few symptoms. A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed.
 
People who have been exposed to someone with mpox should watch for symptoms for 21 days afterward and get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible (preferably within four days but up to 14 days after exposure) if they are not already vaccinated.
 
Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) can help prevent mpox and may help make symptoms less severe. People should get two doses four weeks apart for the best protection against mpox. People who should not get JYNNEOS are those who have had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after getting the first dose. During the 2022 mpox outbreak, anaphylactic reactions were reported in about three per million doses administered.
 
Vaccine may be given in the skin of the forearm, upper back, or shoulder, or under the skin on the back of the arm. Records indicate about one in three Idahoans who had the first dose of JYNNEOS didn’t receive a second dose.

Resources:

Find an mpox vaccine site near you by using the mpox vaccine locator at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/vaccines/vaccine-recommendations.html.
For more information about mpox and mpox vaccine, see https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html.
For information about how else to lower your risk for mpox, see https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/prevention/sexual-health.html.