Mpox Vaccines in BRHD
Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) is working to ensure that residents who are eligible and/or have been exposed or are at high risk of being exposed to mpox receive a vaccination. Vaccines are only available at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department. If you believe you are eligible for a mpox vaccination, please call 434-972-6269 to schedule an appointment for your mpox vaccine.
What is mpox?
Mpox, first discovered in 1958, is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Cases of mpox have been identified in the United States, including Virginia. VDH and BRHD are monitoring the spread closely and will provide updates as they become available.
Symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
If you suspect you may be infected with or been exposed to mpox, call ahead to your medical provider before visiting them in-person.