What is mpox?
Mpox is a contagious rash illness caused by the mpox virus. Mpox can cause a range of symptoms. Some people have mild symptoms, while others can develop serious symptoms and need care in a healthcare facility. Those at higher risk for severe disease or complications include people who are pregnant, children, and people with weakened immune systems.

In the 2022 outbreak, cases have occurred in many countries or areas where this infection was not usually found, including in the U.S. and Virginia. The number of cases has declined since August 2022, but cases continue to occur in the U.S. The mpox outbreak is not over yet. Most, but not all, cases have been in gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. This group, particularly those with multiple sex partners, is currently at greatest risk.

How is mpox spread?

In this outbreak, most people have become infected with mpox when they come into close contact with an infected person. Spread can occur from touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact. Some people can spread mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms start.

Mpox can spread from person to person through:
• Sexual or intimate contact (including oral, anal, and vaginal sex)
• Hugging, kissing, cuddling, and massage
• Sharing a bed, towel, or clothes that have not been washed

Mpox does not spread from person to person through:
• Casual conversation with someone who is infected
• Walking by someone who is infected

 

What are symptoms of mpox?

Skin rash on any part of your body (even if it is only 1 or 2 spots); for some people, this rash may be
their only symptom

• Fever • Chills • Headache • Muscle aches and back aches

• Swollen lymph nodes • Feeling tired • Respiratory symptoms (nasal congestion, cough, or sore throat)

You may experience all or only a few symptoms.
Symptoms usually appear within 3 weeks after exposure.

Two doses of the #mpox vaccine are the best protection. 

Even if you got your first dose a long time ago, you can still get the second dose. Mpox vaccines are available now for free at your local health department. Find a local health department near you: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/

What do I do if I have symptoms?

If you have symptoms, you should separate yourself from other people and pets, cover your rash, and contact your healthcare provider. It is important to call ahead before going to a healthcare facility and let them know that you are concerned about mpox. You should avoid close physical contact with others until you have talked with your provider.

How can mpox be prevented?

Get Vaccinated. The two-dose mpox vaccine is recommended for people with known exposure to someone with mpox or those at high risk of exposure. For the most protection, it is important to get both doses of the vaccine. To see if you are eligible for vaccination, visit CDC’s mpox webpage. If you are eligible visit the CDC vaccine finder.

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with another person’s rash or scabs. Avoid kissing, hugging, cuddling or having sex with someone who is infected. Do not share eating utensils and cups. Do not share bedding, towels, or personal grooming devices.

Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with infected individuals.

Wear a mask if you think you have mpox and need to have close face-to-face contact with other people or need to have close contact with someone who may be infected.

Consider the events you attend and your behavior at those events. If there is close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, the risk of spreading mpox is higher.

Treatment for mpox

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like those with weakened immune systems. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment or look into the Study of Tecovirimat (TPOXX) for Human Monkeypox Virus (STOMP) trial which offers free treatment and people can participate in the trial remotely. Those diagnosed with mpox may also need treatment for symptoms such as pain, itching, nausea and vomiting.

Where can I get more information about mpox?

VDH website www.vdh.virginia.gov/mpox

Did you know? Anyone having sex can get an STI. Many STIs have no symptoms. The only way you can be sure of your status is to Get Yourself Tested. All STIs can be treated, and some can be cured. This STI Awareness Week, know your STI care options and Get Yourself Tested!

The Norfolk Public Health Department clinic offers Sexual Health Services. These services include prevention education, testing and treatment for STIs, and counseling.

Test & Go
Our clinic is open every Tuesday from 1pm- 3pm and 4:30pm -6:30pm. You can get a quick appointment for 15-minute STI tests. No appointment necessary. (must have no symptoms)

All are welcome and the tests are free!

Or to make an appointment at our clinic, please call: 757-683-2735.

You have the power to protect your child.

Provide your children with safe and long-lasting protection against measles by making sure they get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine according to CDC’s recommended immunization schedule.

The USDA’s Child and Adult Food Care Program, (CACFP), provides nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults living in a variety of settings. Children who live at home, who are in preschool, who attend childcare centers, who participate in after-school programs and who live in shelters, benefit from the program. CACFP also provides healthy food to homebound adults and those living in adult care facilities. 

Founded in 1968, as a special pilot program known as the Special Food Service Program for Children, CACFP now serves nearly 5 million adults and children across the nation every day. Centers and sponsoring organizations receive cash reimbursement for serving meals and snacks to participants whose incomes are below 185% of the poverty level.

CACFP Week is observed in March, which is a National Nutrition Month®, an annual observance to promote nutritious food choices and encourage people to develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year, CACFP Week will be observed March 10-16, 2024. This year’s theme is “Eating the Rainbow.”

In 1968, Congress amended the National School Lunch Act to reach children in childcare programs. Throughout the CACFP’s more than 50-year history, the program has continued to update its nutrition standards in conjunction with the USDA meal patterns and dietary guidelines.

In celebration of the impact CACFP operators make in their communities, the nutrition programs at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), with the support of community partners, are hosting a week full of virtual events specifically for program operators. These events, along with a social media campaign are intended to promote and recognize the integral role the CACFP plays in supporting the health and wellbeing of all Virginians. 

VDH and VDOE, along with their community partners will be posting to social media using #VACACFP, @CACFPVirginia and @VDOESNP. Follow VACACFP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

To find more information about CACFP Week activities, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/child-and-adult-care-food-program/cacfp-week-coming-soon/.

For a list of participating CACFP organizations committed to providing nutritious meals or for more information, please visit Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Virginia is experiencing an outbreak of meningococcal disease. The Norfolk Department of Public Health is offering vaccines to people who may have been connected to a case in this outbreak or have certain medical conditions.

The meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine can help protect against this strain of meningococcal disease.

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is a potentially deadly bacterial infection, mainly caused by 5 types of meningococcal bacteria: A – B – C – W – Y. The outbreak in Virginia is caused by type Y. Symptoms can come on fast and include:

It can kill in as little as 24 hours or cause permanent complications: brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities or limb amputations.

People at increased risk for meningococcal disease should make sure they are up-to-date on the MenACWY vaccine.

This includes:

• Anyone with complement component deficiency, an immune disorder
• Anyone taking a type of medicine called a “complement inhibitor” (for example, Soliris® or Ultomiris®)
• Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including people with sickle cell disease
• People with HIV

 

 

If you begin to experience symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

 

CDC has launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a national campaign encouraging adults to make clean hands a healthy habit at home and away.

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If soap and water aren’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

For more information on Life is Better with Clean Hands, a campaign promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can:

• Include powerful winds over 50 MPH;
• Create hail; and
• Cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards.  Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A THUNDERSTORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• When thunder roars, go indoors!
• Move from outdoors into a building or car.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Unplug electronic devices (phones, TVs, computers).
• Do not use landline phones.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS

Prepare NOW 

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms.  In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.  The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors to protect appliances and electronic devices.

Survive DURING 

• When thunder roars, go indoors.  A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms.  Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
• When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones.  Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Protect your property.  Unplug appliances and other electric devices.  Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter, or vehicle immediately.
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides.  Do not touch anything metal.
• Avoid flooded roadways.  Turn Around.  Don’t Drown!  Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Be Safe AFTER 

• Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees.  Report them immediately.

 

Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety – Newsroom (virginia.gov)