Public health leaders report alarming trend with Mpox in Mecklenburg County
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Public health leaders are reporting an alarming trend with Monkeypox in Mecklenburg County.
Since the start of the year, Mecklenburg County health officials said the number of reported Mpox cases has risen steadily.
Health officials said they’re very concerned about the growing number of people, including children, who were potentially exposed to those with active Mpox infections.
“It’s important to note the only Mpox transmission thus far has involved close physical/sexual contact,” Mecklenburg County health officials said. “However, residents should take precautions even when the risk is low or intermediate.”
There have been 10 confirmed cases of Mpox among Mecklenburg County residents reported in February, up from six in January. Health officials said nearly 120 residents, including some children, were potentially exposed to those 16 confirmed cases.
The following are common symptoms of Mpox:
Fever and/or chills
Headache and/or body aches
Swollen lymph nodes (tender lumps near the neck, jaw, armpits, and groin)
Exhaustion
A skin rash on any part of the body, including the genitals, with lesions (sores)
The rash can be as small as one or two bumps or cover the entire body
Lesions can look like bumps, warts, pimples, sores, or scabs
Vaccines are available at no cost and are effective at reducing the risk of Mpox infection and disease severity, county health officials said. Vaccines are available by appointment by calling Mecklenburg County Public Health at 704-336-6500 or walking into a Public Health clinic
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