While the 2022 Mpox outbreak has been declared over and the declared public health emergency has ended, low-level transmission of mpox is still occurring in the U.S.

Mpox transmission may still occur within South Carolina.

Providers should continue to test patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of mpox and offer or recommend mpox vaccination as part of routine STD care.

In addition, DHEC strongly recommends that people receive both doses of the mpox vaccination prior to activities that could lead to high-risk contact. There is some protection after the first dose, but the best protection occurs two weeks after the second dose. Jynneos vaccine continues to be made available through DHEC and selected provider clinics that routinely provide STD and HIV clinical services to those most at risk of exposure. You may search for options near you on the mpox vaccine provider map.

Educational Materials

The public, community partners, healthcare providers and others can share these materials to help increase awareness of and reduce exposure to mpox in South Carolina.
 

What Everyone Needs to Know

These materials provide information about what mpox is, its symptoms, and what you can do.

• Poster
• Fact Sheet

What Those At Higher Risk Need to Know

These materials are for those at higher risk of exposure to mpox. They provide information about what mpox is, its symptoms and what you can do now and after getting a vaccination.

• Poster
• Palm card
   • En Español
• Postcard
   • En Español
• Fact Sheet: After Vaccination
• Mpox Printable Vaccine Post Card
   • En Español

A Clinician's Guide

This fact sheet is for healthcare providers and contains information about how Mpox presents, testing, treatment, and reporting cases to DHEC.

• Fact Sheet
• Mpox Healthcare Provider Algorithm
• Mpox Update for Providers, May 2024

What You Need to Know About Mpox

What is mpox?

Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last two to four weeks. Mpox, is a reportable condition in South Carolina as a novel infectious agent.

How is mpox spread?

Mpox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or bodily fluids. Mpox can spread during intimate contact between people, including sex, kissing, hugging, or talking closely; and touching fabrics and objects that were used by a person with mpox, such as bedding and towels. It can also be spread through coughing or saliva from a person with mpox.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

• Painful skin rash
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure.

What if I think I have mpox?

If you are concerned that you may have mpox or have had prolonged close contact with someone who has received a mpox diagnosis, please talk to your usual health care provider or if you do not have one, call your local health department or an Urgent Care.

How do I know if I am at higher risk?

At this time, the risk to the general public is low. Currently, the vast majority of cases are occurring among gay and bisexual men. However, anyone who has prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox is at risk of being infected.

Key Information for Clinical Providers

• If you suspect mpox in a patient, after your evaluation please report it to your DHEC regional epidemiology team. DHEC may initiate contact tracing pending laboratory results for highly probably cases and provide additional guidance.
• Testing for mpox is available through commercial laboratories or the Public Health Laboratory. PHL testing requires pre-approval but has faster turnaround time. See HAN: Updated Guidance for Monkeypox Virus (MPOV) Evaluation (7-06-2022).
• For individuals with severe cases of mpox, DHEC has pre-positioned TPOXX antiviral treatment across the state.  Please consult the DHEC Medical Consultant  covering your region to obtain TPOXX for a patient.   Do not call CDC directly.

• See previously released HANs:
  • Update for Clinicians on Monkeypox (MPX) in People with HIV, Children and Adolescents, and People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding (8-01-2022)
  • Updated Guidance for the Evaluation and Treatment of Monkeypox (MPX) (7-29-2022)
  • Update for Clinicians on Testing and Treatment of Monkeypox (7-29-2022)
  • Updated Guidance for Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) Evaluation (7-06-2022)
  • Updated Case-finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak—United States, 2022 (6-15-2022)
  • Monkeypox Virus Infection in the United States and Other Non-endemic Countries—2022 (5-20-2022)