5 Active Mpox Cases In Oklahoma, Department Of Health Says

The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirms there are five active cases of mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Oklahoma.

Four of the cases are in the southeast region of Oklahoma, the fifth case is in the northeast region, the department says.

What Is Mpox?

The Mpox virus, which was originally called the Monkeypox virus, is in the same family as chicken pox.

The first reported human case of Mpox was in 1970, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A recent outbreak in 2022 brought the virus into light.

There are two types of Mpox, according to the CDC, Clade I and Clade II. Recent outbreaks are the Clade II type, the CDC says.

Although infections are rarely fatal, people with weakened immune systems could die, the CDC says.

Mpox is spread through close, often skin-to-skin, contact, according to the CDC. Mpox can be spread through touching objects that someone with Mpox has touched, the CDC says, although it is less likely.

Mpox Symptoms

Mpox is often recognized by a rash on the hands, feet, chest, face or near the genitals, the CDC says. The rash may look like pimples or blisters, and could be painful, according to the CDC.

Other symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache and respiratory symptoms.