EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The City of El Paso Public Health Department is reporting the first Mpox case of 2025. <\/p>\n
A male in his 50\u2019s is currently recovering at home.<\/p>\n
Public Health officials have initiated contact tracing and the City\u2019s DPH epidemiology team is actively working to identify close contacts and offer the vaccine to those individuals.<\/p>\n
We urge everyone at-risk to remain vigilant in practicing preventive measures to protect themselves and their families,\u201d said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Health Authority. \u201cThis includes safeguarding our most vulnerable community members from not only Mpox, but also other diseases like COVID-19 and the flu.<\/p>\n
What is Mpox?<\/p>\n
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads between people through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted from certain animals to humans. It is characterized by a distinctive rash that may be painful or itchy, which can appear on various parts of the body, progressing through several stages including scabs before healing.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of Mpox include:<\/p>\n
Distinctive rashFeverChillsExhaustionHeadacheMuscle aches and back painSwollen lymph nod<\/p>\n
Symptoms typically begin within three weeks of exposure. Some individuals may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience the full range.<\/p>\n
How Mpox Spreads:<\/p>\n
Through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected personThrough intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activityThrough contact with infected wild animals via scratches, bites, or handling infected animal products<\/p>\n
A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.<\/p>\n
Prevention Tips:<\/p>\n
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be MpoxRefrain from touching objects and surfaces used by someone with MpoxWash hands frequently with soap and water<\/p>\n
Residents experiencing symptoms of Mpox should seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on next steps.<\/p>\n