Mpox

In support of the November 28, 2022 recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), LMPHW has adopted "mpox" as the term used to refer to monkeypox disease.  

Call the toll-free mpox hotline (844) 520-6670 for answers to general questions. 
 

Overview for Jefferson County

• There are no confirmed cases of mpox.

If you test positive for mpox, expect a call from us

We have a team of professional disease investigators at the health department. Their job is to call people who test positive for diseases that can quickly spread to others like mpox, hepatitis A, B or C, chickenpox, West Nile virus, whooping cough and many more.  They call because they want to make sure you get the care you need. They also want to help you keep from unknowingly spreading a virus or infection to others which could lead to a community-wide outbreak. 

Our disease investigators will ask you a lot of questions, some will be very personal in nature.  Please know they don’t share your information and are required by law to respect your confidentiality. Please make sure you answer when we call. Please also return a call to us if we have left you a voicemail.

Our goal is to make sure you get the care you need, have answers to all your questions and that we work together to stop an infectious disease from spreading.

Vaccination locations

HIPAA guidelines must be followed, and your information will be private.

Public Health Specialty Clinic

Public Health and Wellness Specialty Clinic by appointment only. Call 502- 773-2120 to schedule. Walk-ins not available.

Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center

Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center by appointment only. Call 502-778-0001.

Family Health Centers

Contact Family Health Centers by appointment only. Call 502-772-8110

Baptist Health

• Baptist Health (Dr. Pendleton), 1603 Stevens Ave, Louisville KY 40205, by appointment only. Call 502-451-5955

Norton Infectious Disease

Norton Infectious Disease, 234 East Gray St, Suite 768, Louisville KY 40202, by appointment only. Call 502-446-6434

Park DuValle Medical Center

Park DuValle Medical Center, 3015 Wilson Ave, Louisville, KY 40211, by appointment only. Call 502-774-4401.

UofL Student Health

University of Louisville Student Health -- For UofL students only. Call 502-852-6446

Vaccination Events 

Vaccination events

Check back for updates.

 Questions & Answers

What is mpox?

Monkeypox, now recognized by the World Health Organization  as "mpox,"  is a disease caused by the mpox virus. It is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread between people. Learn more details about the virus. 

Who is at risk?

At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current mpox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has mpox is at risk.

Where is mpox typically found?

Mpox is commonly found in central and west Africa where there are tropical rainforests and where animals that may carry the virus typically live. People with mpox are occasionally identified in other countries outside of central and west Africa, following travel to regions where mpox is endemic. 

See the current U.S. outbreak situation summary

What are the symptoms?

According to the CDC, the symptoms of mpox  are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.

Mpox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and mpox is that mpox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not.

The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for mpox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.

The illness begins with:

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

Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules
• Papules
• Vesicles
• Pustules
• Scabs

The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. 

 

What should you do?

Anyone with a rash that looks like mpox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has mpox. People who may be at higher risk might include but are not limited to those who:

• Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like mpox or someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable mpox
• Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing mpox activity, this includes men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
• Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of mpox or where mpox activity has been ongoing
• Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

What to do if you're sick

Learn more on what to do if you're sick

What is the treatment for mpox?

Mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox. The antiviral drug tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like people with weakened immune systems. Currently, due to limited vaccine supply, the CDC and Kentucky Department for Health (KDPH) have instructed us to vaccinate only the close contacts of someone who has tested positive for mpox. We have asked for additional doses. When they arrive the CDC and KDPH will also provide guidelines on additional at-risk individuals who will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has mpox.

How can I prevent getting mpox?

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Facts and prevention for people who are sexually active.

Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection?

Mpox can spread from one person to another through close physical contact, including sexual contact. It is currently not known whether mpox can be spread through sexual transmission routes (e.g., through semen or vaginal fluids), but direct skin-to-skin contact with lesions during sexual activities can spread the virus.

Mpox rashes are sometimes found on genitals and in the mouth, which is likely to contribute to transmission during sexual contact. Mouth-to-skin contact could also cause transmission where skin or mouth lesions are present.

Mpox rashes can resemble some sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and syphilis.
Ask you sex partners about symptoms. See if they have had any unusual rashes and sores in the last 3 weeks.

The risk of becoming infected with mpox is not limited to people who are sexually active or gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who is infectious is at risk. Anyone who has symptoms that could be mpox should seek advice from a health worker immediately.

Social Gatherings, Safer Sex, and Mpox

How to get tested?

If you have symptoms of mpox, please contact your healthcare provider or visit an urgent treatment center to see if you should be tested and treated.  Please isolate at home until you can be seen. Wear a face mask to your appointment and make sure any lesions are completely covered.

When you arrive, please tell the provider that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with mpox.

Who qualifies for the vaccine?

Anyone who reports any of the following:

• Close contact to someone with a known or suspected mpox virus (direct skin-to-skin contact or other close contact)
• Diagnosis of HIV.
•  Diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea or early syphilis, within the prior 12 months.
• Receiving medications to prevent HIV infection (PrEP) Exchanging sex for money or nonmonetary items.  
• Attending an event/venue where there was a high risk of exposure to an individual(s) with mpox virus through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.   
• Gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men or transgender people who are sexually active.
• Laboratory workers who routinely perform mpox or orthopox virus testing.  
• ​​​​Healthcare professionals who have had high-risk occupational exposure without using recommended personal protective equipment in the past 14 days.  
• Individuals who, on a case-by-case basis, are determined to be at high risk of contracting mpox.

​​​​​If you think you may be eligible to receive a mpox vaccine, please reach out to the following locations to schedule an appointment: Mpox Vaccination Locations

What should someone do if they don’t have a healthcare provider or health insurance and suspects they have mpox?

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, please seek care at an urgent treatment center or emergency room. Wear a face mask to your appointment and make sure any lesions are completely covered. When you arrive, please tell the provider that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with mpox.

Community Health Centers

Three community health centers in Louisville provide a wide range of healthcare services for people who are uninsured or under insured. They may be able to help you, but please call ahead:

• Family Health Centers 502-774-8631
• Park DuValle Community Health Center 502-774-4401
• Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center 502-778-0001

Where can I get vaccinated?

• Check with your healthcare provider first. If your healthcare provider doesn't have the vaccine but would like to provide it, encourage them to call the health department, 502-574-6520.
• Vaccination availability and locations (English)
• Disponibilidad de la vacuna contra la viruela del mono (Spanish)

Resources

• Mpox and Safer Sex
• Preventing Mpox in Congregate Settings
• Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings
• Social Gatherings, Safer Sex, and Mpox
• Smallpox/Mpox Vaccine (JYNNEOS): What you need to know
• Teens & Young Adults: What you need to know
• Vaccination availability and locations (English)
• Disponibilidad de la vacuna contra la viruela del mono (Spanish)

Information for Healthcare Providers

Information for Healthcare Providers

For guidance or to report a suspected case, call 888-9REPORT (888-973-7678)

• Information for healthcare providers on obtaining and using TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for treatment of mpox
• Kentucky Department for Public Health Guidance for Assessment and Monitoring of Suspected Mpox Virus Cases and Contacts
• CDC Information for Healthcare Professionals
• CDC Information for Laboratory Personnel
• What to do if you suspect mpox?
• Testing patients for mpox

Information for schools and child care

Information for schools and child care

• Schools, Early Care and Educational Programs

Toolkit for large social gatherings

Toolkit for large social gatherings

• Large or Social Gatherings Toolkit for Health Departments