Spread of Mpox Concerns Officials in Southwestern Idaho

BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) — Health officials have identified a rare disease known as Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, spreading in southwestern Idaho this week.

There have been seven reported cases of Mpox infections in residents of southwestern Idaho this month. These are the only cases reported in Idaho this year.

Of the seven cases reported, six were in residents of Ada County, as stated in a news release on Tuesday from Central District Health. Two of these cases were first reported earlier in the month. Also, three of the four people who recently reported infections have not been traveling, according to the press release.

Another Mpox case was confirmed in a man in Canyon County, according to a news release from Southwest District Health. Health experts have not been able to determine how the man in Canyon County contracted Mpox.

Mpox, which is related to smallpox but milder and rarely fatal, is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, and possibly through touching items used or touched by an infected person. Infected individuals can spread Mpox once they develop symptoms until they have fully recovered, and some may even spread it before they feel unwell.

Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash that initially resembles pimples or blisters, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that individuals who suspect they might have Mpox should visit a healthcare provider, get tested upon a recommendation, and avoid close contact with others.

Central District Health Epidemiologist Sarah Wright recommended, “To reduce the likelihood of more Mpox in the valley, people can cover any new bumps or sores before prolonged contact with others, use condoms during intimate activities, and get vaccinated if they haven’t already. Anyone who has symptoms they think might be Mpox should contact a healthcare provider to get tested.”

People who have been exposed to someone with Mpox should monitor possible symptoms for 21 days and get vaccinated four to 14 days after exposure if they are not already vaccinated, according to Central District Health.

Mpox vaccine and antiviral treatment are available.

State data shows that 18 Idahoans have reportedly had Mpox this year and last year. The CDC reports more than 31,000 cases of Mpox in the U.S., with 55 deaths, and over 92,000 cases reported globally.