MPV Cases Decline with Uptick in Vaccinations

Cases of MPV (Monkeypox) in Denver and Colorado have ebbed considerably since September, but that doesn’t mean the disease is no longer a threat.

More than 150 cases were reported in August, when the epidemic appeared to peak. But infections have declined every month since, with 81 in September 31 in October and 26 so far in November.

Additional data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows 94.3% of those infected are male. Of those, 76% identify as lesbian or gay. Forty-four percent of those infected are white.

MPV: What to Look For

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, “Monkeypox can look like syphilis, herpes, blisters, or even acne, so be sure to get checked out if you develop a new rash or bumps. In recent cases, additional symptoms have not always occurred before the rash or bumps if they have occurred at all. The incubation period for monkeypox is usually seven to 14 days but can range from less than five to 21 days. Most people recover within two to four weeks.”

An official with the Department of Public Health and Environment told OFM that it’s important to know what symptoms to look for. According to the state MPV website, “Monkeypox can spread from person to person when someone who has monkeypox has close contact with someone else. Close contact can mean physical contact with the sores, bumps, or lesions of someone who has monkeypox. Close contact includes sex. Monkeypox can also spread through touching the bed linens or clothing of someone who has monkeypox. Monkeypox can also live on other surfaces for some time.”

More than 14,000 Coloradans Vaccinated

More than 14,000 Coloradans have received more than 22,000 doses of vaccine, according to DDPHE spokesman Brian Spencer. “There is likely a greater degree of protection in higher-risk communities in Colorado thanks to Coloradans’ participation in this wide-reaching vaccination effort,” Spencer writes in an email. “The combination of vaccination and some level of natural immunity for those who have previously had monkeypox can reduce transmission. In addition, many people in higher-risk communities may have taken steps to reduce their risk.”

Unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to contract MPV.

Are You at High Risk?

These high-risk groups qualify for the vaccine:

•  Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) who has had close physical contact with someone who has MPV in the last 14 days.
• Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) who has multiple or anonymous sexual partners
• Has close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur
• Was diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in the past six months

• Is living with HIV
• Already uses or is eligible for HIV PrEP (medication to prevent HIV, e.g., Truvada or Descovy or Apretude)
• Engages in commercial and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs).

• Anyone (any sexual orientation or gender identity) identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has MPV.
• Anyone whose sexual partner identifies with any of the above scenarios.

Where to get the vaccination

An MPV vaccination clinic will be from 4-10 p.m. Friday, November 25, at Charlie’s, 900 E. Colfax, Denver, and from 5-10 p.m. at Lil Devils Lounge, 255 S. Broadway, Denver. You can register for a clinic or find more information on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.