A rare Mpox infection has been reported at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. How can you keep yourself safe from the potentially serious disease?
Where was Mpox detected in Iowa?
Mpox, a highly contagious viral disease, has been detected at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, necessitating the implementation of robust health measures.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a part of the same virus family that causes smallpox. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be spread from animals to humans and also through close contact between humans.
How is Mpox spread?
Mpox often spreads through bodily fluids and physical contact. The CDC outlines that person-to-person transmission usually occurs via close contact with respiratory secretions, inflected skin lesions, or shared objects.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
Symptoms of Mpox are similar to the flu and may include pus-filled skin lesions. The infection can last from two to four weeks and can be fatal if left untreated.
What is the treatment for Mpox?
Vaccines are available and recommended for high-risk populations. The approved JYNNEOS vaccine provides protection against both clade I and clade II strains of the virus.
How do you prevent Mpox infection?
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals and practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.
