Category: Mpox Updates

WHO recommends new name for monkeypox disease

Posted on by katherineschroeder

As of November 28, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of the term “mpox” as the preferred terminology for monkeypox. This change aims to reduce stigmatizing language surrounding the disease. Assigning names to new and existing diseases is the responsibility of WHO under the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the WHO Family of International Health Related Classifications through a consultative process which includes WHO Member States.

Following this announcement, the Virginia Department of Health has accepted this change of terminology and has begun updating its webpages to align with the new terminology. VDH will adopt the term mpox in its communications, and encourages others to follow these recommendations, to minimize any ongoing negative impact of the current name and from adoption of the new name.

Read more about the WHO announcement here.

Monkeypox Update!

Posted on by davidwilliams

**AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2022, THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ADOPTED THE USE OF THE TERM “MPOX” TO REFER TO MONKEYPOX.**

Monkeypox does not spread from person to person through casual conversation or by walking by
someone who is infected. The risk to the community is considered low at this time.

Monkeypox can be spread from person to person by sexual or intimate contact, hugging, cuddling, and
massage, and by sharing a towel or clothing that has not been washed.

Most people who have become infected with monkeypox had close or intimate contact or prolonged face
to face contact with an infected person. Spread can occur from touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or parts
of clothing or linens that have been in contact with lesions or bodily fluids.

Monkeypox can be prevented by avoiding close, skin to skin contact with another person’s rash or scabs.
It can also be prevented by avoiding kissing, cuddling, or having sex with someone who is infected. Don’t
share bedding, towels, or personal grooming devices and don’t share eating utensils or cups.

If you think you have monkeypox, seek medical advice by contacting your healthcare provider.

Visit the Virginia Department of Health Website: : vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox

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Monkeypox Update – Vaccine Access

Posted on by davidwilliams

**AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2022, THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ADOPTED THE USE OF THE TERM “MPOX” TO REFER TO MONKEYPOX.**

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Lord Fairfax Health District are responding to an outbreak of monkeypox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. For information on monkeypox in Virginia, please visit the VDH monkeypox website. If you are a healthcare provider, please visit the monkeypox website for healthcare providers. 

The Lord Fairfax Health District is working to ensure that residents who have been exposed or are at high risk of being exposed to monkeypox receive a vaccination.  If you are interested in receiving a monkeypox vaccination, please call us at (540) 722-3470. 

 

The Lord Fairfax Health District: Protecting You and Your Environment