NCDHHS Encourages Mpox Vaccination for People at Higher Risk After Recent Cases Reported

 

 Two cases of mpox were reported to NCDHHS over the past six weeks, the first cases in North Carolina residents since April 2023.

In addition to the two cases, the mpox virus was recently detected in one out of 12 wastewater sites where monitoring is being conducted. These cases and wastewater detections were all in different counties, suggesting an increased spread of mpox in North Carolina.

Numbers and cases have been low due to vaccinations and community engagement, but now is the time to get vaccinated if you are at higher risk for mpox and have not yet received the vaccine. Eligibility criteria have expanded to include:

  • Anyone who has or may have multiple or anonymous sex partners;
  • Anyone whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above;
  • People who know or suspect they have been exposed to mpox in the last 14 days;
  • Anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for mpox through sex or other intimate contact.

Take steps to lower your risk during sex or at social gatherings, like using a condom correctly every time you have sex. Avoid close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox, avoid contact with objects and materials a person with mpox has used and wash your hands often.

Read more about how the disease is spread, symptoms of mpox, and what NCDHHS is doing to enhance communication efforts with local health departments and community partners, in a news release.