Season 2 Episode 3: COVID-19 Variants (BA.4 + BA.5)

Additional resources
 OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov
 OHA Facebook
 Safe+Strong website
 Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz
 REACH webpage and REACH Facebook
 50 th Anniversary Celebration of Juneteenth
COVID-19 Variants (BA.4 + BA.5) and hMPXV Update
Q1: I’m hoping you can give us an update on hMPXV, which is an abbreviation for
human monkeypox virus
As of July 13, 11 cases of hMPXV have been reported in Oregon since June 16, 2022.
They are among more than 1,000 cases in 43 U.S. states and 11,000 cases in 65
countries that are considered to be part of the current global outbreak. The CDC is
urging health care providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses
consistent with hMPXV, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors
for the virus, and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The CDC also is working
with state and local health officials to identify people who may have been in contact
with people who have tested positive for hMPXV so they can monitor their health
Q2: Who is most at risk of infection?
While anyone can be affected by hMPXV, the current global outbreak of the virus
happens to largely affect gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. As
such, OHA is prioritizing the empowerment of men who have sex with men and the
larger LGBTQIA+ and queer community with information, testing, prevention and
treatment strategies so they can take steps to protect themselves from the virus.

OHA 3900 (9/28/2021)

Q3: How is it spread?
hMPXV is transmitted person to person. This can happen through prolonged, close
contact, either skin to skin, contact with fluid from hMPXV lesions, or less commonly
from large respiratory droplets. Most infections in the current outbreak appear to be
due to skin-to-skin contact.
Q4: What are the symptoms?
Illness typically starts with fever, headache and muscle aches. This is followed in one
to three days by a rash, often on the face, spreading to the limbs. The rash starts with
flat patches that then form large, firm bumps, which then fill with fluid or pus. These
then scab and fall off, usually over two to four weeks.
Q5: How long after exposure do symptoms start?
Usually within seven to 14 days, with a range of five to 21 days.
Q6: When can a person ill with hMPXV spread it to others?
Ill people can potentially transmit the infection from when symptoms start until the
rash has resolved. However, this is not an easy infection to catch. It typically requires
prolonged, close, skin-to-skin contact. People at increased risk include sexual
partners of an ill person, or family members and health care workers caring for
someone ill with hMPXV.
Q7. What should I do if I think I have hMPXV?
Call your health care provider to let them know. If you don’t have a health care
provider, reach out to your local public health authority, which can see you in one of
its clinics or help you find a health care provider. If you plan to go to the emergency
room or an urgent care, let the check-in staff know that you are concerned about
hMPXV. They will ask you to wear a mask and help you cover rashes that may not be
covered by your clothing while you wait to be seen.
Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a
language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as
translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-
2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.