Over 5,000 Mpox Cases, Three Deaths Now Reported in Iowa

Officials respond to contagious mpox cases at Fort Dodge prison

Iowa Department of Health reports new cases in Polk County, Linn County, and Pottawattamie County

The Iowa Department of Health has reported new cases of mpox in Polk County, Linn County, and Pottawattamie County, bringing the total number of cases in Iowa to 5,032. Three people in Iowa have died from mpox.

The majority of cases in Iowa have been among men who have sex with men, but anyone can get mpox. Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that can look like blisters.

The Iowa Department of Health is urging Iowans to get vaccinated against mpox. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it can help to protect you from getting mpox.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus.

Mpox can be spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms of mpox

Symptoms of mpox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A rash that can look like blisters

The rash can appear on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on the face, hands, and feet.

Treatment for mpox

There is no specific treatment for mpox. Treatment is supportive and may include:

• Pain relievers
• Antiviral medications
• Hospitalization for severe cases

Prevention of mpox

The best way to prevent mpox is to get vaccinated. The mpox vaccine is safe and effective, and it can help to protect you from getting mpox.

Other ways to prevent mpox include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are infected with mpox
• Washing your hands frequently
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with the mpox virus

Mpox in Iowa

The first case of mpox in Iowa was reported in June 2022. Since then, the number of cases in Iowa has steadily increased.

The majority of cases in Iowa have been among men who have sex with men, but anyone can get mpox.

The Iowa Department of Health is urging Iowans to get vaccinated against mpox. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it can help to protect you from getting mpox.

For more information about mpox, please visit the Iowa Department of Health website.