During the 2022 U.S. mpox outbreak, cases were identified in Arlington County and surrounding jurisdictions. Without vaccination and prevention efforts, there may be a resurgence of cases as people gather in crowds at events over the spring and summer months. This is especially possible in situations with sexual activity that includes skin-to-skin contact.
Providers should be on alert.
If you have a patient with suspected mpox infection (see Should I suspect mpox?), contact Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) staff 24/7:
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., call 703-228-5200, option #1
- Nights and weekends, call 703-558-2222 and ask for the Public Health Duty Officer
Arlington County Mpox Website
You should suspect mpox if a patient:
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Has a new characteristic rash
OR
Meets at least 1 of the following epidemiologic criteria within previous 21 days:
Had contact with a person with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable mpox - OR -
Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing mpox activity, this includes men who have sex with men - OR -
Traveled to places or attended events (see locations) where mpox cases have been confirmed in the month before symptoms appears - OR
Had contact with laboratory specimens or other items that could serve as fomites that have been in contact with a person or animal with a suspected or known orthopox or monkeypox virus infection - OR -
Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)
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AND |
There is a high clinical suspicion for mpox
Clinical suspicion may exist if presentation is consistent with illnesses confused with mpox (e.g., secondary syphilis, herpes, and varicella zoster)
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Exclusion Criteria
A case may be excluded as a suspect, probable, or confirmed case if:
- An alternative diagnosis* can fully explain the illness OR
- An individual with symptoms consistent with mpox does not develop a rash within 5 days of illness onset OR
- A case where high-quality specimens do not demonstrate the presence of Orthopoxvirus or mpox virus or antibodies to orthopoxvirus
Arlington County Mpox Website
The VDH Mpox Preparedness Checklist for Healthcare Facilities(PDF, 271KB) can assist your facility in taking steps to prepare to manage patients with suspected mpox infections.
Follow Mpox Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations, including:
- Proper screening of patients
- Notifying ACPHD and your facility’s infection prevention and control staff
- Isolating suspected or confirmed mpox patients
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for contact and airborne precautions while providing patient care
- Performing environmental cleaning and disinfection using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with an emerging viral pathogen claim (see EPA’s List Q).
- Identifying and monitoring exposed healthcare personnel
Arlington County Mpox Website
If you suspect mpox, test even if the patient was previously vaccinated or had mpox:
- Mpox testing is available for ordering through commercial labs. As with other labs ordered, this is billable and will be charged to insurance or client as appropriate.
- Order the mpox test just as you normally would order other tests.
- Public health testing through the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) continues to be available at no cost for uninsured/underinsured patients who meet clinical and epidemiologic criteria; you should consult with ACPHD about this testing.
Arlington County Mpox Website
Eligibility
CDC recommends vaccination against mpox if:
Find Your Vaccine
(Updated 11/15/2024)
Search CDC's Mpox Vaccine Locator
The Arlington County Public Health Division offers mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) for the following individuals who:
- Do NOT have insurance
- Have insurance, BUT their insurance does not cover mpox vaccine
Vaccine supply is limited. Call 703-228-7444 for an appointment.
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Clinic Hours
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- Mondays, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00a.m.
- Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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Mpox Vaccine in the Community
Mpox vaccines are offered at some retail pharmacies. For clients with health insurance, it is recommended to call pharmacies and/or health insurers to inquire about options to receive mpox vaccine in the community.
About the Vaccine
JYNNEOS has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of mpox. Getting vaccinated shortly after an exposure reduces the risk of developing mpox and can reduce symptoms for those who do get it.
The vaccine is not an effective treatment for those who already have mpox.
The mpox vaccine is free and requires two doses, four weeks apart. A person is not fully protected from mpox until two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine.
If you wish to enroll as an mpox vaccination provider, please visit the VDH website for more information.
Arlington County Mpox Website