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MPOX Resource Page
Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County
- (813) 307-8000
- Info.HillsWeb@FLHealth.gov
-
Fax
(813) 273-3721 -
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675-5135
General Information
While MPOX (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a rare disease and the risk to the general public is low. However, there are cases in Hillsborough County, which are being identified, investigated, and tracked.
MPOX in the same family as smallpox. It typically begins with flu-like symptoms then progresses to a rash. It can spread through direct prolonged contact with someone with an active rash or by handling items that have touched an infectious rash. The illness usually lasts 2–4 weeks. While there is a recent significant increase in reported cases, the current risk of getting MPOX in the general public is low.
MPOX symptoms include an otherwise unexplainable skin rash or lesion, swollen lymph nodes, persistent fever, intense headaches, and intense muscle aches.
MPOX is not spread through casual conversations, walking by someone with MPOX, or in an environment like a supermarket or department store, neither is it spread though touching items like doorknobs, coffee pots, or pencils. If you’re concerned that it will become the next COVID, that is highly unlikely because we know a lot about this disease and, furthermore, it is not airborne.
While MPOX can infect anyone, the present spread is concentrated within the MSM (men who have sex with men) population. Furthermore, even though MPOX is NOT a sexually transmitted disease, overwhelmingly, the method of transmission so far has been related to sexual activity (generally, with multiple MSM partners).
MPOX transmission can be prevented by avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with someone displaying symptoms (i.e., rash) of MPOX. Do not handle bedding, clothing, or towels of a sick person without appropriate protection. Wash your hands often, which is great for preventing any number of illnesses.
If you feel that you may be at risk for MPOX, please review the vaccine information.
For information on the MPOX vaccine, click HERE.
Do you think you have or have been diagnosed with MPOX? Click HERE for more information on how to protect yourself and others while you are symptomatic.
For more information on MPOX or if you feel you may have been exposed, see your healthcare provider.
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