Midland Health Department Issues Advisory on Rising Mpox Cases

In Midland, Texas, the City of Midland‘s health services department is actively monitoring an uptick in Mpox cases, both locally and within the broader West Texas region. The department has issued a health advisory to inform the public about the symptoms of Mpox, its modes of transmission, and the recommended actions for those diagnosed with the virus.

The advisory states that Mpox symptoms typically begin within 21 days following exposure. Initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu and may include rash development one to four days later. Healthcare providers urge individuals experiencing symptoms, such as rash, to seek medical consultation promptly. «A person with Mpox can spread it to others from the onset of symptoms until the rash has completely healed and new skin has formed,» the advisory notes. Symptoms also include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle and backaches, headache, and respiratory issues such as sore throat, congestion, or cough.

Transmission of Mpox is primarily through close personal contact, including direct skin-to-skin interaction with a person having an Mpox rash or scabs. The virus can also spread via contact with saliva, respiratory secretions, and other bodily fluids of an infected person. Additionally, pregnant individuals with Mpox risk transmitting the virus to their fetus during pregnancy or to a newborn during childbirth. Objects, fabrics, or surfaces touched by an infected person can further facilitate the virus’s spread if not properly disinfected.

For individuals suspecting Mpox infection, the advisory recommends immediate consultation with healthcare professionals, keeping the rash covered, and using a mask to curb transmission. It also advises patients to avoid skin-to-skin contact, refrain from sharing personal items, and maintain cleanliness by disinfecting household areas.

In instances of exposure, individuals are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and undergo testing if symptoms appear. Healthcare providers can assess eligibility for the JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine for those who have been in contact with diagnosed patients.

Additional information can be accessed through the Midland Health Services Mpox webpage, the Texas Department of State Health Services website, and the CDC‘s Mpox page.