Virginia Dept. of Health sees rise in reported cases of mpox

NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is alerting residents about a rise in reported cases of the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus across the Commonwealth.

The VDH said that since the start of 2024, 12 mpox cases have been reported in the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Northwest health regions. For comparison, 12 mpox cases were reported in all of 2023, and they were all from the Northern health region.

Hampton Roads is part of the VDH's Eastern health region, where at least one mpox case has been reported.

The VDH said that of the 12 reported cases in 2024, four patients had to be hospitalized, six were co-infected with HIV, and none had been vaccinated against mpox.

Mpox became a focus of worldwide concern during an international outbreak in 2022 that saw the disease spread to over 100 countries, mainly by sex among gay or bisexual men. Mpox has been endemic in parts of central and west Africa for decades, but most cases involved infection from rodents, limiting the spread of the disease.

The mpox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact such as sexual contact, but can also include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as sharing bedding, towels, and clothing.

Mpox symptoms tend to overlap with those of most viruses. Fevers, headaches, chills, muscle aches, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes are all symptoms of monkeypox. The true indicator that distinctly separates it from the rest is a pimple-like rash that appears on the face and other parts of the body, according to the CDC.

Symptoms may vary from person to person, and the rashes can appear at different stages and typically last 2-4 weeks. Some people tend to get rashes first and then symptoms, but others might just get a rash.

A two-dose vaccine is available for mpox called JYNNEOS. Health officials urge people to get vaccinated if you are at risk of being exposed or have been in close contact with someone who has mpox.

The VDH maintains a website about mpox, and also has a call center available to answer questions about the illness, vaccination, and treatment options. Call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages. TTY users may dial 7-1-1.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.