EL PASO, Texas—The City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the community for 2024.
The individuals, both males in their 40s, reside in the same household and are currently recovering at home. Public Health officials have launched contact tracing efforts, with the DPH epidemiology team actively working to identify close contacts and provide vaccinations as needed.
“Mpox continues to pose a global health threat, and we urge everyone at-risk to remain vigilant in practicing preventive measures to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Health Authority. “This includes safeguarding our most vulnerable community members from not only Mpox, but also other diseases like COVID-19 and the flu.”
What is Mpox?
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:
- Distinctive rash
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Headache
Symptoms typically begin within three weeks of exposure. Some individuals may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience the full range.
How Mpox Spreads:
- Through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Through intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activity
- Through contact with infected wild animals via scratches, bites, or handling infected animal products
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.
Prevention Tips:
- 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
The City currently has approximately 200 vaccines available for individuals at-risk and those identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, with more vaccines being requested to meet the community’s needs.
Public Health officials will continue to investigate all confirmed cases and offer vaccines to those who are identified as close contacts.
Residents experiencing symptoms of Mpox should seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on next steps.
For more information, please visit the City’s Mpox informational webpage (https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/current-incidents/Mpox/).
