Mega Doctor News
EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso Public Health Department is reporting the first Mpox case of 2025. A male in his 50’s is currently recovering at home.
Public Health officials have initiated contact tracing and the City’s DPH epidemiology team is actively working to identify close contacts and offer the vaccine to those individuals.
“We urge everyone at-risk to remain vigilant in practicing preventive measures to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City-County Health Authority. “This includes safeguarding our most vulnerable community members from not only Mpox, but also other diseases like COVID-19 and the flu.”
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads between people through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, and can also be transmitted from certain animals to humans. It is characterized by a distinctive rash that may be painful or itchy, which can appear on various parts of the body, progressing through several stages including scabs before healing.
| Symptoms of Mpox include: |
| Distinctive rash |
| Fever |
| Chills |
| Exhaustion |
| Headache |
| Muscle aches and back pain |
| Swollen lymph nod |
Symptoms typically begin within three weeks of exposure. Some individuals may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience the full range.
How Mpox Spreads:
- Through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Through intimate physical contact, such as kissing or sexual activity
- Through contact with infected wild animals via scratches, bites, or handling infected animal products
A person is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be Mpox
- Refrain from touching objects and surfaces used by someone with Mpox
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Residents experiencing symptoms of Mpox should seek medical advice to receive a proper diagnosis and guidance on next steps.
For more information, please visit the City’s Mpox informational webpage.
