Mpox returns to Idaho, health authorities stress importance of vaccination
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho Division of Public Health and Central District Health are announcing the first two reported people diagnosed with mpox in Idaho since last year.
An investigation is ongoing, but both people reported traveling outside the state, which may be related to these diagnoses. Both people diagnosed with mpox are Ada County residents. There is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission of mpox in Idaho.
Mpox, which was previously called monkeypox, is caused by a virus that can spread through prolonged direct contact with someone with mpox or, very rarely, touching things like bedding or towels contaminated with the virus. Infection usually causes a rash that can look like pimples at first and then like blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain places, such as the face, hands or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals or anus.
Some people can also have flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache, and tiredness. Someone with mpox might have all or only a few symptoms. A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed.
People who have been exposed to someone with mpox should watch for symptoms for 21 days afterward and get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible (preferably within four days but up to 14 days after exposure) if they are not already vaccinated.
Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) can help prevent mpox and may help make symptoms less severe. People should get two doses four weeks apart for the best protection against mpox. People who should not get JYNNEOS are those who have had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after getting the first dose. During the 2022 mpox outbreak, anaphylactic reactions were reported in about three per million doses administered.
Vaccine may be given in the skin of the forearm, upper back, or shoulder, or under the skin on the back of the arm. Records indicate about one in three Idahoans who had the first dose of JYNNEOS didn’t receive a second dose.
“Since the first infection in the U.S., we have gained more knowledge and tools we can use to reduce the impact of this virus,” Central District Health Staff Epidemiologist Sarah Wright said. “One of these is the mpox vaccine, a preventive tool that has been shown to make symptoms milder in people that get mpox. If you are interested in this vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider or a provider at Central District Health.”
