Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus. The MPX virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus which includes the variola (smallpox) virus as well as the vaccinia virus, which is used in the smallpox vaccine. MPX is a public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. MPX is less transmissible and usually less severe than smallpox. 

Overall, the risk to the general public remains very low based on information currently available. It is still vital to remain vigilant and take precautions as needed. Close, sustained skin-to-lesion contact, including sexual contact, with a person with MPX appears to be the major mechanism associated with transmission among recent cases. While MPX can infect anyone, a majority of cases have occurred among person self-identifying as men who have sex with men. 

In humans, symptoms of MPX can be similar but milder than symptoms of smallpox.

Symptoms can begin with:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

The time from infection to symptoms for MPX can range anywhere from 5 to 21 days. The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.

Anyone who has symptoms of MPX, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact a health care provider right away. Your doctor will determine whether testing is appropriate.

Home Isolation Instructions for People with MPX

If you test positive for MPX you are required to:

1. Isolate - stay home and avoid contact with others.
2. Provide us (Sutter County Public Health) with contact information for your close contacts so we can notify them confidentially and provide them instructions for self-monitoring.
3. Follow the steps outlined in the home isolation instructions for people with MPX.

For more information, view the CDPH MPX Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public.

Sutter County Public Health will offer the PEP to individuals who are at high-risk for MPX starting August 18th. 

To see if you are at high-risk, complete the survey here: MPX Vaccine Qualification Survey

For questions, contact Sutter County Public Health at (530) 822-7215.

California Department of Public Health:

• What is MPX Fact Sheet
• CDPH Stop the Stigma - MPX

Sutter County Public Health

• MPX Palm Cards - Schools - Stop the Stigma
• MPX Fact Sheets - Schools