EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in El Paso, the city announced Wednesday in a news release.
The city says the individuals, who are both men in their 40s, live in the same household and are currently recovering at home.
According to the CDC, mpox is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as monkeypox virus.
Public Health officials have launched contact tracing efforts and are working with the DPH epidemiology team to identify close contacts and provide vaccinations as needed.
According to the city, mpox is a “viral infection that spreads between people through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted from certain animals to humans. It is characterized by a distinctive rash that may be painful or itchy, which can appear on various parts of the body, progressing through several stages including scabs before healing.”
Symptoms of mpox include the following:
- Distinctive rash
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Headache
The City says symptoms begin within three weeks of exposure and some individuals may experience only a few symptoms while others may experience the full range of symptoms.
A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
The city says mpox spreads through:
- Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activity
- Contact with infected wild animals via scratches, bites, or handling infected animal products
The City has provided some prevention tips for mpox:
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be mpox
- Refrain from touching objects and surfaces used by someone with mpox
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Residents experiencing symptoms of mpox should seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on the next steps, the City said.
The City says it currently has approximately 200 vaccines available for individuals at risk and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases. More vaccines are also being requested.
Public Health officials will continue to investigate all confirmed cases and offer vaccines to those who are identified as close contacts.
For more information, the city has an mpox informational web page, which can be found by clicking here: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/current-incidents/mpox/.
