RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Northern Nevada Public Health has announced two confirmed cases of mpox in Washoe County. This development has prompted officials to remind residents that despite the overall risk to the general public remaining low, individuals at higher risk of exposure should still exercise caution.
Melvin Sanicas, Bavarian Nordic’s global medical lead for vaccines, noted that this detection is garnering attention far beyond Nevada’s borders. “The discovery in Washoe County is significant,” Sanicas stated. “It has now been reported globally.”
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can be transmitted through extended skin-to-skin contact. Health officials also state that it can spread via contaminated personal items such as clothing or bedding. Possible symptoms include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
Dr. Chad Kingsley, the district health officer for Northern Nevada Public Health, explained that mpox belongs to the same “pox” family as other widely recognized illnesses. “The reason it includes ‘pox’ in its name is because it’s from the same family—like chickenpox, measles, smallpox,” Kingsley elaborated, adding that its presentation can be quite similar.
Northern Nevada Public Health is advising individuals who may face a higher risk of exposure to implement protective measures. Kingsley mentioned that vaccination is among the most effective tools for preventing the illness from spreading, though residents might need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria due to a limited availability of doses.
Health authorities are also concentrating on curbing further transmission by identifying and monitoring close contacts. Sanicas stressed that swift contact identification, testing—especially if symptoms emerge—and vaccination for high-risk individuals are vital steps going forward. “The immediate priority is truly the rapid identification of close contacts of those who have been infected, testing them, particularly when symptoms appear, and vaccination, of course, for people at high risk,” he said.
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