Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection. Mpox spreads by direct person-to-person contact with an infectious rash, scab, or bodily fluids or by respiratory secretions during prolong contact (cuddling, kissing, sex).

On June 7, 2022, Dallas County reported its first case of the virus. There have been over 900 reported cases of Mpox in Dallas County. The CDC has issued a Travel Health Advisory for people traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to an outbreak of Mpox. Seek medical care, isolate at home, and avoid contact with others if you have recently traveled to the DRC and develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills. For more information, you can visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage.

Some people will experience moderate or no symptoms but can still test positive for mpox. Mpox can take up to 21 days for symptoms to show/illness to kick in after exposure. Symptoms include:

FEVER

RASH OR BLISTERS

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES

HEADACHES

EXHAUSTION

MUSCLE ACHES/BACK ACHES

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of mpox, please contact a testing provider. If you test positive, it’s important to self-isolate. Do not have skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact or attend work, school, or social functions for two to four weeks after a positive test result.

Mpox typically spreads via person-to-person contact. Clothing, bedding, soft furniture, and other fabrics can also harbor the virus. Though mpox is spreading rapidly, here are a few steps you can take to prevent exposure to the virus:

Distance

Mpox typically spreads via person-to-person contact. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash or blisters.

Hygiene

Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially when spending time in public places.

Avoid Fabrics

Avoid trying on clothing in stores and wash any fabrics purchased before use. Clothing, bedding, soft furniture, and other fabrics can also harbor the virus.

The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) provides up-to-date health information and services for residents of Dallas County.

We recommend testing for people who have been exposed to mpox or who have developed a new rash anywhere on the body. Before getting tested, please contact your provider via phone to discuss their requirements. Some locations will require an appointment prior to administering the test. Please wear a mask, long sleeves, and long pants when you arrive for testing to reduce the risk of community spread. 

Dallas County Health and Human Services 
2377 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-819-2000

Methodist Dallas Medical Center
1441 N Beckley Ave,
Dallas, TX 75203
(214) 947-8181

Baylor Scott & White Health
301 N. Washington Ave.
Dallas, TX 75246
(214) 820-0111

Medical City Healthcare
13155 Noel Rd Ste. 2000,
Dallas, TX 75240
(972) 401-8750

Parkland Hospital
5200 Harry Hines Blvd,
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 590-8000

Individuals who are most impacted, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with high-risk sexual activities, are advised to get the Mpox vaccine. Any person who believes they may be at risk for Mpox is eligible to receive the vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider or call DCHHS at (972) 692-2780 to schedule your vaccination appointment.

Visit the Dallas County Mpox webpage for a complete list of vaccine providers. Individuals who have received one dose of the Mpox vaccine should receive the second dose after 4 weeks. You do not need to restart the vaccination series regardless of the time that has elapsed since the first dose. Individuals who have received one dose of the Mpox vaccine should receive the second dose after 4 weeks.

You do not need to restart the vaccination series regardless of the time that has elapsed since the first dose.

There are no treatments specifically for mpox. Because the virus is similar to smallpox, immune globulin and antiviral medications may be used to treat cases where there is a risk of severe complications, such as in those with autoimmune conditions. Most people recover from mpox within 2-4 weeks of isolation.

  • Anyone who has had close skin-to-skin contact with a person diagnosed with mpox is at risk. Sharing fabrics such as clothing and towels with someone who has mpox may also put you at risk.

  • Frequent hand washing, avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash or blister, and washing new clothing before wear can help protect you from MPV.

  • Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, exhaustion, and muscle/back aches are all symptoms of mpox. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your nearest testing provider.

  • Please contact your nearest testing provider to schedule an appointment.

  • Deaths are rare and more than 99% of people who get mpox are likely to survive. However, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and being under the age of 8 can put someone at greater risk of serious complications and death. In rare cases, mpox can cause eye diseases, pneumonia, or brain infections (encephalitis) which can be fatal.