The city of El Paso confirms two cases of Mpox

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The City of El Paso Department of Health has confirmed two cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox virus, in El Paso, the city announced in a news release on Wednesday, October 16.

The city says the individuals, both men in their 40s, live in the same household and are currently recovering at home.

Public health officials have begun contact tracing and are working with DPH’s epidemiology team to identify close contacts and provide vaccinations as needed.

According to the city, Mpox is a “viral infection that spreads between people through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted from certain animals to humans. It is characterized by a characteristic rash that may be painful or itchy and may appear on different parts of the body and develop in various stages, including scabs, before healing.”

According to the CDC, Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as Monkeypox virus.

Symptoms of Mpox include:

The city says symptoms begin within three weeks of exposure and some individuals experience only some symptoms, while others may experience the full range of symptoms.

A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has completely healed and new skin has formed. The disease usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

The city says Mpox spreads through:

• Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

• Intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activity

• Contact with infected wild animals through scratches, bites or handling contaminated animal products

The city has provided some prevention tips for Mpox:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be Mpox

• Do not touch objects and surfaces used by someone with Mpox

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water

Residents experiencing symptoms of Mpox should seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and guidance on next steps, the city said.

The city says there are currently about 200 vaccines available for at-risk individuals and those who are close contacts of confirmed cases. More vaccines are also being requested.

Public health officials will continue to investigate all confirmed cases and offer vaccines to those identified as close contacts.

For more information, the city has an informational webpage on Mpox, which can be found here: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/current-incidents/Mpox/.

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