Mpox, formally known as Monkeypox or MPV, naturally infects small mammals in West and Central Africa. In humans, Mpox will usually cause one or more painful sores, blisters, or rash. It also causes fever and flu-like symptoms in about fifty percent of cases. 

Mpox is currently spreading between people primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious sores or body fluids. Mpox may be transmitted by respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, kissing, or sex. Respiratory transmission through brief casual interactions is very unlikely. Mpox may also be spread by material contaminated by Mpox sores, like bedding or clothing. Current evidence suggests that someone is most likely to spread the disease when they have symptoms. It might be possible for someone to spread the disease before they have symptoms.

Find more basic Mpox information on the Washington State Department of Health Mpox page.

Mpox Cases in Whatcom County

Chart last updated: 10/19/2022
This table is updated Monday-Friday as new information becomes available.

Whatcom County-Specific Mpox Information

Testing

How can I get tested for Mpox

• Anyone who has symptoms should talk to their doctor about testing. Only a healthcare provider can give you an Mpox test. Testing is done on the sore itself. If you are a close contact of someone with Mpox and you do not have any sores or lesions, talk to your doctor to be evaluated for risk and possible vaccination, and monitor yourself for symptoms. 
• If you do not have a primary care doctor, contact us at 360-778-6100 or [email protected] and our public health nurses can help refer you to a medical provider.

Vaccination

RX Mart Pharmacy (300 E. Sunset Dr. Bellingham WA 98225) offers Mpox vaccines Every Tuesday from 12:30-2pm (walk in). Call 360-933-1401 for questions.

Mpox vaccine is being offered at many of the upcoming clinics hosted or co-hosted by Whatcom County Health and Community Services, including at our 2030 Division Street location in Bellingham. These clinics offer no-cost vaccines for those who qualify. Please visit our Immunization Clinics webpage for full details and to register for an appointment. 

How many vaccines does Whatcom County have?

• Whatcom County has received a limited amount of vaccine. One dose helps prevent infection or severe symptoms, and a second dose makes that protection stronger and longer-lasting. So, for example, 40 doses is enough to fully vaccinate 20 people, and provide some degree of protection to 40 people. Most healthcare providers do not have access to the vaccine yet.

 Who can get an Mpox vaccine? 

CDC recommends vaccination against mpox if:

• You had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
• You had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox.
• You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past 6 months has had any of the following:
  • A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
  • More than one sex partner.
• You have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse).
  • Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (city or county for example) where mpox virus transmission is occurring.
  • Sex in exchange for money or other items.
• You have a sex partner with any of the above risks.
• You anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.
• You have HIV or other causes of immune suppression and have had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios.
• You work in settings where you may be exposed to mpox:
  • You work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory.

When you have more vaccine, how will you prioritize who gets it? 

• Our first priority for the vaccine will remain close contacts of people who have Mpox. We are working with our community partners to identify people who are at the highest risk of the disease and would benefit most from getting it.  We are making plans to administer vaccines as equitably as possible once more vaccines are available. The exact timing will depend on both vaccine availability and DOH guidance. 

Treatment medicines for people who have Mpox

If I have Mpox, should I take drugs to help my body fight the virus?

• Whatcom County Health and Community Services has a limited supply of antiviral medication to treat Mpox. Not everyone who has the virus needs medication. Some people can successfully recover without antivirals.  If you have Mpox, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Your doctor will work with us to get the medications if you are high risk. Some groups that are high-risk and are more likely to need drugs include:
  • People with severe disease.
  • People who are immunocompromised.
  • Children, particularly those under 1 years old.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding people.
  • People who have certain skin conditions.
  • People with rash or lesions in areas of the body that are at risk for severe disease in both the short and long-term (i.e. eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, etc.).

Currently, Rx Mart and Hoagland have TPOXX treatment available by prescription only. 

Whatcom County Health and Community Services Mpox Information Sheets

• Mpox Information (PDF)
• Información sobre la viruela del mono (PDF)
• Isolation Guidance for Mpox (PDF)
• Guía de aislamiento para personas con viruela del mono (PDF)
• Mpox Exposure Guidelines (PDF)
• Directrices en caso de exposición al virus de la viruela del mono (PDF)