Mpox (or monkeypox) is a rare viral disease. Mpox does not commonly occur in the US, but there currently is an outbreak of mpox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries.

The first case of mpox in Clark County was identified on Monday, July 25, 2022. Clark County Public Health interviews people who test positive and works with cases to identify and notify anyone they were in close contact with while contagious. Mpox is spread through close contact with an infected person who has symptoms.

To see current case totals:
Washington state (cases by county)	Washington Department of Health website
United States	Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website
Global	Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website

 

Vaccine

To help stop the spread of mpox virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is distributing a limited amount of the vaccine JYNNEOS, which is approved to protect against smallpox and mpox.

Washington State Department of Health received a limited supply of JYNNEOS and has allocated vaccine to Clark County Public Health to be administered in Southwest Washington. While vaccine supply is limited, only those who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox or who are considered at higher risk of exposure are eligible for vaccination. Eligibility may change as patterns of transmission change and/or vaccine availability increases.

Anyone who has close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox is at risk of infection. Currently, people at higher risk of exposure include gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender persons who have sex with men. People who believe they may be eligible for the vaccine should contact their health care provider.

To learn more about vaccines to prevent mpox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and Washington Department of Health’s mpox FAQs.