OEMS Monkeypox (mPox) Information Hub
mPox Declared a Public Health Emergency: On August 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced today that he will declare the ongoing spread of mPox virus in the United States a Public Health Emergency (PHE).
VDH Resources
VDH mPox Outbreak Information Page: This is the main page for all information about the mPox outbreak in Virginia and other relevant resources for the general public and health professionals.
mPox Information for Healthcare Professionals: VDH’s page is dedicated to healthcare professionals guiding them through general information, evaluation criteria, infection prevention and control, vaccine information, webinars and other clinician outreach resources.
VDH mPox Information Sheet for Healthcare Providers: A quick at-a-glance reference regarding mPox.
Health Department Locator: A tool to locate your local Health Department to report suspected case(s)
2022 mPox: Information for Healthcare Professionals: CDC’s page is dedicated to healthcare professionals guiding them through recognition, infection control, isolation, treatment, and monitoring.
VDH Clinician Letter 6/14/2022: Information released by VDH on mPox.
CDC Resources
CDC Key Messages – July 6, 2022: Key talking points were released by the CDC on July 6, 2022.
CDC.gov – Recommendations to Prevent Occupationally-acquired mPox Infection in Healthcare Personnel
Recognition of mPox: Incubation period of days. Swollen lymph nodes distinguish mPox from smallpox. The process of initial symptoms through scabbing of lesions happens over a 2-3-week period.
Treatment: There currently is no treatment for mPox; however, if an outbreak occurs, the CDC advises the use of the smallpox vaccine can be used to control the spread. The smallpox vaccine is not currently available to the general public. If an outbreak occurs in the U.S., the CDC will establish guidelines explaining who should be vaccinated.
Need to Know Information about Monkeypox in the US and Other Countries: Rash is still characteristic, but often starts in genital and perianal areas. The rash is sometimes not disseminated to other parts of the body and is being confused for STI’s. Prodromal symptoms are presenting mild or not at all. The patient is considered infectious as soon as symptoms begin – prodromal or lesions – until the scabs fall off. Transmission can be direct or indirect with bodily fluids or lesion material, exposure to respiratory secretions, shared towels and bedding, and skin-to-skin contact with a known patient. mPox is not easily transmitted.
FEMA Resources
FEMA mPox Information for EMS: General information about mPox for EMS.
NETEC | National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center
Press Release: NETEC & Partners Support National Response to mPox Outbreak as U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency. NETEC also offers frontline health care providers expert consultation, resources for PPE, and specialized guidance for EMS professionals.
mPox: Identify, Isolate, and Inform: Topics discussed in this NETEC presentation include the importance of early recognition in identifying individuals potentially infected with a special pathogen, steps that can be taken to reduce special pathogen exposure to others and the environment, and tips on organizing a notification system applicable to both a home institution and the public health system.
mPox Situation Update for EMS Professionals: Information on how to identify mPox in clinical settings
for EMS professionals.
Updated August 8, 2022