Make an appointment for an mpox vaccine at any of our locations. Call 770-904-3717 to schedule today.
Mpox: Learn the Facts
GNR Public Health is dedicated to keeping our community healthy, protected and prepared. Learn more about mpox (formerly monkeypox), how it’s spread and ways to prevent infection.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a virus that can cause a painful rash, bumps, or sores on or near the genitals, or anal area, but also on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
The mpox virus can also cause other symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.
How is Mpox spread?
Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including direct contact with:
- Saliva
- A rash or scab from a person with mpox
- Upper respiratory secretions (snot, mucus)
- Areas around the anus, rectum, or vagina
Most people with Mpox will recover within 2–4 weeks.
How do I protect myself from Mpox?
If you’re at risk for acquiring mpox, choosing to protect yourself from the mpox virus involves getting vaccinated, knowing the symptoms of an infected person, and getting tested if you think you were exposed.
Get Vaccinated
Getting an Mpox vaccine can help prevent infection.
Two doses provide the best protection. Get dose one, wait four weeks, and then get dose two. You will have maximum protection two weeks after your second dose.
Alternatively, close contacts of someone who has mpox can get vaccinated to prevent or lessen the severity of disease. The vaccine should be given within days of exposure (or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms).
You can choose to get the vaccine in your forearm, upper back, or shoulder.
To read more about the vaccine, how it’s given, side effects, and where to get it at, visit Mpox Vaccine Recommendations.
To schedule an appointment at the health department for the first dose of mpox vaccine call 770.904.3717.
Know the signs of an infected person
People who may have mpox are likely to have any of the following symptoms:
- Rashes
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
People who are vaccinated should continue to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.
Get tested if you’re exposed.
Testing is important. Knowing the status of your health allows you to get treated quickly and keep those around you safe.
If you have questions about mpox or are concerned you may have mpox, stay at home away from others, and then call your medical provider or call us for testing options. If you choose to visit your medical provider, be sure to let them know you are experiencing symptoms of mpox before your visit.
Have questions? Our epidemiologists are here to answer them. Just call 770.339.4260 and then ask to speak to the Epi on call.
Other Mpox Resources:
Mpox Facts — Signs/Symptoms/How it spreads (PDF) — Spanish
CDC: Mpox Vaccine Information Statement
Make an appointment for an mpox vaccine at any of our locations. Call 770-904-3717 to schedule today.
