TRAVEL ADVISORY – May 16 2023
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Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a viral infection. It is related to smallpox, but less severe.
Although the global outbreak has been declared over by the World Health Organization, mpox transmission is still of concern for gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people in certain geographic locations around the world where access to the vaccine may be limited. HIM would like to remind community members that a complete series of the mpox vaccine requires two doses, and to acquire both doses of the vaccine ahead of any pride festivities or travel plans abroad.
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
The most common symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. This is followed or accompanied by the development of a grouping of lesions or rash which can last for two to three or four weeks. The rash can be found on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, and genital and/or anal regions of the body. The number of lesions can range from one to many. Lesions begin flat, then fill with liquid before they crust over, dry up and scabs fall off, with a fresh layer of skin forming underneath.
Symptoms typically last two to three weeks and usually go away on their own or with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever. People remain infectious until all of the lesions have crusted over, the scabs fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.
-World Health Organization & BC Centre for Disease Control
