Cleveland, Ohio – Health officials in Cuyahoga County are currently grappling with an outbreak of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, with a total of nine confirmed cases from February to April 23, 2024. The cases are distributed between the county and the Cleveland Department of Public Health, affecting individuals between the ages of 17 and 44. This recent surge in Mpox cases has prompted the Cleveland Department of Public Health to issue urgent directives for testing and monitoring.
Symptoms of Mpox can include a rash that appears on various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. The rash progresses through different stages, initially resembling pimples or blisters before forming scabs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals infected with Mpox may experience additional symptoms like fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backaches, headaches, and respiratory issues.
To combat the spread of Mpox, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health is strongly recommending testing for individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, as well as urging healthcare providers to include Mpox in their diagnostic considerations. Diagnostic testing and Mpox vaccines are readily available at specified clinic locations in Parma and Warrensville Heights. The CDC advises that the incubation period for Mpox ranges from 3 to 17 days, during which infected individuals may be asymptomatic.
Individuals with lesions, rashes, or identified as part of the at-risk population are encouraged to seek testing for Mpox promptly. For those seeking more information on Mpox or in need of testing, additional resources can be found on the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s website. With the recent rise in Mpox cases, health authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and protect the community from further transmission.